4 2024 NBA Draft prospects who could help the Milwaukee Bucks on the wing
By Franco Luna
Trentyn Flowers, Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
At 19 years old, Trentyn Flowers is far from a household name, but his shooting prowess is undeniable. Flowers boasts a smooth, mechanically sound shooting stroke with a quick release that should easily translate to the NBA, provided he's able to get his reps in quickly.
He shot around the 37 percent mark from three with the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL in Australia, showcasing his ability to consistently knock down open looks. If he can get used to NBA range quickly, his shooting threat would stretch the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo, making it harder for defenses to pack the paint when playing the Milwaukee Bucks.
Even then, Flowers is more than just a spot-up shooter. He can move effectively without the ball, finding open spaces in the Bucks' offense known for its intelligent cuts and screens. This ability to create his own shot would make him even more dangerous.
While not a finished product by any means, Flowers has shown flashes of well-rounded offensive ability. He can attack closeouts with a decent-at-best handle, time opportunistic cuts well and has a knack for finishing around the rim. Developing these skills would make him a more complete offensive threat.
That being said, Flowers' defensive limitations are definitely a cause for concern despite his 6-foot-9 build. He's not the strongest on the perimeter and can struggle against bigger wings even despite his optimal height for the position. This should get better with time, but the Milwaukee Bucks would need to intentionally develop him defensively to be a reliable contributor on that end if they still want to center their identity around stingy defense.
Similar to his defensive struggles, Flowers isn't the most explosive athlete. This could limit his ability to create separation off the dribble and get to the basket consistently.
Drafting Flowers would be a calculated gamble for the Bucks. They'd be banking on his shooting translating to the NBA and his defense improving within their system. But the potential reward is significant. A reliable 3-point threat like Flowers would make the Bucks' offense even more potent, opening driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo and creating easier looks for everyone else.
Flowers might not be a starter right away, but his shooting ability is a valuable asset for any team, while the rest of his game remains compelling. If the Bucks can refine his game, he has the potential to develop into a key rotation player who helps them contend for championships.