4 2024 NBA Draft prospects who could help the Milwaukee Bucks on the wing

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking for the missing piece to push them over the championship hump.

For what has felt like years now, they’ve been a championship-caliber team, but one with a glaring need in the form of a reliable 3-and-D wing to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. This season, other needs arose in the playoffs, such as athleticism on the fast break, secondary playmaking for when the stars are injured and consistent shooting to capitalize on the Greek Freak’s inward gravity.

The wing position has seen a lot of evolution over the past few years. In this evolution of positionless basketball in the NBA, having switchable and stretchable wings with size, length and versatile skill sets to fill out the forward positions is seen as a necessity in order to win a championship.

Even now, the need for competent wings is on full display for the teams still gutting it out in the NBA. To be perfectly candid about it, the Bucks have simply never had someone who can do what Aaron Gordon does for the Denver Nuggets, what Jaden McDaniels does for the Minnesota Wolves or even what P.J. Washington does for the Mavericks.

As we know, the closest they've had to surefire defensive stoppers at that position were P.J. Tucker and Wesley Matthews. In a league where most of the top scorers are big wings, your chances of winning a championship significantly diminish without that type of player on your roster.

Enter the 2024 NBA Draft, a wide-open class that, albeit among the weaker drafts in the past few years, is chock full of potential gems and NBA-ready pieces scattered throughout. As the Bucks look forward to their potential moves on draft night, here are a few wings to keep in mind.

Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas

While Kansas shooting guard Kevin McCullar might not be a flashy scorer, his overall skill set suggests he could be the no-frills glue guy who perfectly complements Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Let's start with the one area he has the most potential to help the Bucks out: McCullar's calling card is his defense. He's a menace on the perimeter, with quick hands and instincts that allow him to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals. The Bucks already boast a strong defensive core, but McCullar would add another layer of on-ball pressure and perimeter containment, a weakness opposing teams sometimes expose.

It doesn’t end there, and it would be completely wrong to mistake McCullar for a defensive specialist. He's a smart, fundamentally sound player who makes winning plays. He understands positioning, rotates well and limits mistakes. This basketball IQ is exactly what the Bucks need alongside Giannis' sometimes freelancing style.

While not a primary ball-handler, McCullar can make smart decisions in transition and out of the pick-and-roll. He sees the floor well and can find open teammates for easy baskets, taking pressure off Giannis to be the sole facilitator.

One of Giannis' biggest strengths is his ability to attack in transition. McCullar thrives in this system. He cuts effectively, spaces the floor and crashes the boards for putbacks. His hustle creates scoring opportunities for himself and teammates.

But...McCullar isn't without limitations. His offensive game, particularly his shooting, is still a work in progress. He's not a lights-out shooter, and his scoring relies heavily on hustle and getting to the free-throw line.

In 2023-24, McCullar Jr. averaged 18.3 points, six rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. He shot 45.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three and 80.5 percent from the foul line. Those aren't necessarily eye-catching numbers, but they aren't necessarily bad ones, either.

Kevin McCullar isn't a star, but his well-rounded skill set, basketball IQ and winning mentality make him a perfect fit for the Bucks. He won't take away touches from Giannis, but he'll contribute in all the areas the Milwaukee Bucks need – defense, smart decision-making and hustle.

If he can develop a more consistent 3-point shot, his value will increase even further. In a draft full of scorers, McCullar could be the under-the-radar steal that helps the Bucks win another championship.

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.

Alex Karaban, UConn

From Bryn Forbes to Grayson Allen to Malik Beasley, the Milwaukee Bucks have needed reliable shooters to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo's driving ability, and UConn sophomore Alex Karaban fits the bill perfectly.

He shot a scorching 49.5 percent from the field in his sophomore season, including a respectable 38 percent from three. His ability to stretch the floor would create driving lanes for Giannis and open up scoring opportunities for his other teammates.

Standing at 6-foot-8, his height is definitely more suited for the forward spots than shooting guard. But make no mistake, Karaban isn't just a shooter; he's a smart player who understands the game. He makes good decisions with the ball, can find open teammates within the offense and cuts effectively without the ball. This intelligence would seamlessly integrate him into the Bucks' system, known for its emphasis on ball movement and efficient shot selection.

Much like his fellow Huskie-turned-Buck Andre Jackson Jr., Karaban was a key contributor to UConn's back-to-back national championships. He understands the pressure of winning and thrives in high-stakes situations. This winning mentality aligns perfectly with the Bucks' championship aspirations.

Karaban's defense isn't his strongest suit, though, even if he isn’t necessarily a liability on that end of the floor. His sophomore season showed he can struggle against bigger or stronger wings from time to time due to his relatively lanky frame. The Bucks' defensive system and coaching staff could help him improve in this area, but it might take time — a luxury the Milwaukee Bucks don’t necessarily have much of these days.

If versatility is the goal heading into this draft, another thing to take into consideration is that Karaban isn't a primary ball-handler or scorer. His offensive value lies in his efficiency and ability to play within the flow of the offense. The Bucks already have Giannis as their primary creator, so this shouldn't be a major concern. However, developing some additional playmaking ability would further enhance his value.

Karaban might not be a starter right away, but his skill set screams "ideal sixth man" for the Bucks. He can come off the bench, provide instant offense with his shooting, and contribute to ball movement with his IQ. His championship experience and winning mentality are valuable intangibles.

Alex Karaban might not be the flashiest prospect, but his floor spacing, basketball IQ, and championship pedigree make him a perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks. If he can improve his defense and develop some additional playmaking skills, he could become a key contributor to their championship chase.

Bobi Klintman, Cairns Taipans (NBL)

More than anyone else on this list, this writer is of the opinion that the Milwaukee Bucks should absolutely keep a close eye on Bobi Klintman in the 2024 NBA Draft.

This 6-foot-10 combo forward offers a compelling blend of skills that could seamlessly integrate into the Bucks roster and system as it currently stands. While he hasn't yet developed a single dominant ability, his versatility makes him an extremely intriguing prospect.

Klintman, who currently plays for the Cairns Taipans of the Australia National Basketball League, boasts a smooth shooting stroke, capable of knocking down shots from mid-range and beyond the arc.

This past season, he averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 36 percent shooting from downtown. His size, coupled with this kind of offensive firepower, complements Giannis Antetokounmpo's driving prowess perfectly and just isn't something the Milwaukee Bucks have had at their disposal in years past.

His offensive package doesn't stop at shooting. Klintman's ball-handling allows him to contribute in transition plays. Imagine him pushing the pace alongside the Greek Freak, creating nightmares for opposing defenses.

He isn't just an offensive weapon. His size and athleticism translate well to the defensive end. He possesses the tools to become a versatile defender, capable of switching assignments and guarding multiple positions – a valuable asset in today's NBA.

Think of how it would transform the Milwaukee defense to have another starter taller than 6-foot-8. With Middleton, Giannis and Lopez starting, the Bucks could go back to being a matchup nightmare with their size and length. A third big wing also gives head coach Doc Rivers a lot more versatility to work with as far as the lineups he is able to throw out on the floor.

The most exciting aspect of Klintman's profile might be his potential for growth. Scouts projected him to rise on draft boards after private workouts and the combine, which indicates he is still a player who is coachable and eager to refine his skills.

For a team like the Bucks, who are already boasting a championship core, Klintman's high ceiling could be a perfect match. He can contribute immediately with his well-rounded skill set while offering the promise of becoming a significant contributor in the years to come.

By adding Klintman, the Milwaukee Bucks wouldn't just be adding depth; they'd be adding a player who fits their system perfectly and has the potential to be a key piece of their future success.

The 2024 NBA Draft may not be a star-studded affair, but for the Bucks, it presents a golden opportunity to identify impactful role players. Whether it's the defensive tenacity of Kevin McCullar or the offensive versatility of Trentyn Flowers, each of these prospects brings a unique skill set that could seamlessly integrate into the Milwaukee Bucks' championship blueprint.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo still in his prime, the time is now for the Bucks to find the missing pieces that will propel them toward another title run. By strategically selecting the right young talent in the draft, the Bucks can ensure their championship window remains wide open for years to come.