The Bucks have shown clear interest in drafting their next lead guard, but that could be a risky gamble depending on which prospect falls to them. Instead, Milwaukee might feel compelled to revisit their interest in Ja Morant from the trade deadline as they transition into their backcourt of the future. Unlike any incoming rookies, Morant already has a history of All-NBA production when healthy in the league and he’s still only 26.
Ja Morant could ironically be the safer option
Morant’s career has been marred by injuries and off-court drama in recent years, but he’s still proven himself over full seasons. In the right environment, he could even reach new heights and dominate the league once again. The Bucks may have just that with his old coach Taylor Jenkins leading the way in Milwaukee now.
Although he hasn’t been at his best for a few years now, Morant was once an All-Star averaging over 26 points per game. His game is built on attacking the rim and finishing over defenders, which would actually be perfect on a post-Giannis Bucks roster. If the Bucks do trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, they’ll have a plethora of shooters everywhere to space the court for Morant.
It’s no coincidence that Morant’s play dropped off after Jenkins left the Grizzlies. He didn’t click with the new offense and system implemented by Tuomas Iisalo. But Jenkins had years of experience maximizing Ja’s exact skillset.
The Bucks draft pick is a huge gamble
It’s also important to note that the Bucks won’t have their pick of the top guards in this year’s draft. They’ve got pick number 10, so plenty of other teams will have a chance to snag their own lead guard earlier. In the 5 picks right before them, the Bucks can expect to see plenty of guards taken off the board.
That’ll leave the Bucks with a less desirable prospect than the ones fans may be imagining. For example, someone like Darius Acuff Jr is very unlikely to be in reach for the Bucks. Instead, Milwaukee will be at the mercy of teams like the Nets and Kings.
If the Bucks don’t have a chance at any of their most desired guards in the draft, they may turn to Morant as a buy-low candidate. The Bucks already have Ryan Rollins as a solid young guard in their backcourt, and he can help mask some of Morant’s weaknesses.
It also wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen the Bucks make a big move for a point guard, as they orchestrated big trades for both Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. Morant would just be the latest in a string of All-Star guards traded to the Bucks.
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