FanSided's latest mock draft projected the Bucks to select Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the 11th overall pick, but his defensive woes could be a cause for concern.
Acuff is actually climbing draft boards with his NCAA Tournament performances so far, including 36 points in the second round. But he is also giving back plenty of points on the other end with his subpar defense, which the Bucks must take into account.
Darius Acuff Jr. isn't a surefire prospect
Acuff is undoubtedly a talented scorer. He averaged 23 points per game for the Razorbacks this season while shooting 49 percent from the field and a blistering 45 percent from three. And he's turned his game up even more in the postseason, whether it was winning the SEC Tournament or guiding his team through the first two rounds of March Madness.
But his defense is a very legitimate flaw that could make him a nightmare fit on the Bucks. In recent seasons, Milwaukee has already felt the pain caused by downgrading defensively at the point guard position. And adding Acuff to a team that ranks 25th in defensive rating across the NBA won't help matters.
Unfortunately for Acuff, his defensive issues are layered and multifaceted. At 6-foot-3 and 190lbs, he lacks the size to stop opposing players from getting to their spots or shooting over him. Even when Acuff gives good defensive effort, it often doesn't matter if his opponent is much bigger than him. But the problem also lies in how often Acuff doesn't give good defensive effort. He's not great off the ball or once he has been screened, and often finds himself in no man's land while recovering on a play.
Darius Acuff Jr. could just make the Bucks' problems worse
The Bucks have been plagued by poor defense and a lack of size on the perimeter all season. Consider that three of their top four players in minutes per game are Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and AJ Green. All three are under 6-foot-6 and not known for their physicality. Adding another small guard into the mix could make rotations even more complicated and further compound the flaws.
Darius Acuff Jr. could be the most attractive pick for the Bucks in the draft based on his scoring potential and tournament performances. But his defense also makes him a major risk. Depending on the Bucks' goals to contend in the near future, he could end up hurting the team's chances more than he helps them.
As the draft gets closer, it's important to remember that fit also matters a great deal for teams as good as the Bucks, not just the overall talent of the selection.