Bucks address major roster holes by drafting Tyler Smith: Reaction & analysis

With the 33rd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected forward Tyler Smith from the G-League Ignite.

After a controversy-filled night during the first round that featured the Bucks selecting AJ Johnson, this pick should stir the pot far less.

What does Tyler Smith bring to the Bucks?

Smith joins a Milwaukee roster that has longed for more youth, athleticism, mobility and size in the frontcourt, all things he can provide from day one next season. He moves incredibly well for a player who stands at 6-foot-11 and can immediately make this Milwaukee team more versatile because of it, allowing Doc Rivers to experiment with countless lineup combinations.

One of Smith's most desirable attributes for a player of his size is his outside shooting. On four tries per game last season, Smith shot 36.4 percent from 3-point range. Obviously, that type of stroke will be useful in helping Smith fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton on the offensive end, giving him plenty of open looks.

The big question is what he can bring to this team defensively. Though he has the tools to be versatile in that regard, he's still won't be a defensive stalwart from day one. It's an area he needs to emphasize improving as he ventures into the pros, and if he can do so, he could be a vital cog for the Bucks in no time, given how much this roster needs a player like that.

Like Johnson, Smith is far from a polished product. He's also 19 years old and needs time to grow into his role. However, due to his frame, sweet-shooting and electric athleticism, it wouldn't be overly surprising if he was able to get on the court faster than Johnson. The question is simply how long is that going to take? Only time will tell for Milwaukee.

With the Milwaukee Bucks opting to keep both of their two draft picks to add youth and athleticism, they clearly heard the fans who were clamoring for more of those two attributes. Now, the next step will be developing those two and molding them into NBA contributors.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.