Taylor Jenkins is already planting seeds with Bucks draft prospects

Taylor Jenkins made a name for himself in Memphis by turning a young core into playoff contenders. After Doc Rivers' disastrous tenure, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Jenkins to change the culture and lead their own youth movement. 

He got a head start at the NBA draft combine, wasting no time establishing a strong connection with potential Bucks prospects. The way Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. discussed their interactions with Jenkins, it's clear he made an immediate impression. 

Bucks prospects liked what they heard from Jenkins

As a freshman at Illinois, Wagler showcased a broad range of playmaking skills that have turned him into a projected top six pick. Where the Bucks sit at No. 10, Wagler is unlikely to be in range, but you never know. Things can change. 

While his talent is obvious, he is also somewhat raw and could use some work defensively. Jenkins hit on those points in his discussion with the 6-foot-6 point guard, as described in an article by The Athletic's Eric Nehm. Wagler came away impressed with the "growth" mindset in Jenkins' message (subscription required). 

In a way, Brown, also a freshman, might remind Jenkins of Morant. His upside is through the roof, but his shot selection was all over the place at Louisville last season. Like Wagler, Brown really seemed to appreciate the improvement-focused tone of the conversation. 

Nehm notes that Jenkins also emphasized the importance of "accountability." If he is going to succeed in Milwaukee, that's one thing he'll have to distill in all his young players. Perhaps Wagler or Brown will be among them. 

Jenkins suddenly makes Milwaukee an appealing destination

Mock drafts tend to have Brown going seventh or eighth, to Sacramento or Atlanta. While the Bucks shouldn't count on landing either guard, it's still possible that one slips unexpectedly, more likely Brown than Wagler. Milwaukee would love to snag either one of them. 

For his part, Jenkins would no doubt love to cultivate another top 10 draft pick in the backcourt after his stint with Morant, a former No. 2 overall selection, in Memphis. On the current Bucks roster, he already has Ryan Rollins to work with.

Jenkins' presence in Milwaukee is a draw of its own for prospects familiar with his reputation as a developmental guru. That's particularly true for a raw talent like Brown. With the right guidance and more consistency, he could ascend to NBA stardom. 

At the combine, of course, the Bucks couldn't recruit specific players. During the draft, prospects won't choose their teams as if it were unrestricted free agency. Those conversations with Wagler and Brown were just that - only conversations - but don't discount their significance as it reflects on Jenkins and his natural ability to communicate with young players.

While the Bucks' new coach hasn't had a chance to really get started yet, he's already planting seeds. Whichever draft prospect lands in Milwaukee, he'll be in good hands under Jenkins' tutelage. 

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