Milwaukee Bucks 2012 Draft: Bucks' Realistic Draft Targets

As the 2012 NBA season comes to a close, there is no team in as fascinating a position as the Milwaukee Bucks. After trading both their franchise player, center Andrew Bogut, and embattled shooting guard Stephen Jackson, it appeared the Bucks were throwing in the towel for the season.

The man they got in return, however, just so happens to be one of the best scorers in the game: Monta Ellis.

Ellis and point guard Brandon Jennings have formed one of the most dangerous backcourts in professional basketball, taking the Bucks to a record of 27-28, just one game out of the eighth seed in the East. Not bad for the team that started out 13-20.

The strange thing is, the Bucks' inability to make the playoffs would leave them comfortably in the lottery. So much so that, at this point, their chances of winning the almighty ping pong drawing are greater than you'd expect.

Until we know for sure where they end up, however, here's a look at what they'd do in their current position. Fans, scouts and general managers, pay attention.

Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers

Player Traits: Center - Freshman - 6'11" - 210 pounds - 6'8" wingspan

The Milwaukee Bucks traded away their franchise center, Andrew Bogut, so it would be foolish to imagine their passing through the 2012 NBA Draft without finding his replacement.

Fortunately for Milwaukee, big man Cody Zeller has a realistic shot of being available at this point in the draft.

While Andre Drummond might fit the Bucks' profile a little better, Cody Zeller is a Tom Crean product. For those unfamiliar with Crean's work, his products include Dwyane Wade and New York's three-point savior Steve Novak. The one constant between those two, as well as the rest of his byproducts, is their incredible work ethic.

Cody Zeller displays that work ethic on every possession, fighting for position, diving for loose balls and throwing caution to the wind in his pursuit of two points. While he's not as physically imposing as Andrew Bogut, his hard work on both ends of the floor would have a major influence on his defensively-inept teammates.

Season Averages: 31.19 PER - 15.6 PPG - 6.6 RPG - 1.4 SPG - 1.2 BPG

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

Player Traits: PF - Sophomore - 6'9" - 280 pounds - 7'2" wingspan

Jared Sullinger is far less athletic than the other names on his list, which is exactly why he fits the Bucks' needs.

Rather than adding to the high-speed attack that Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis bring to the plate, the Bucks could add a bruising low-post player to change the tempo of the game and offer the Bucks a much more well-rounded attack on offense.

On the defensive end, Sullinger is actually a better fit to replace Andrew Bogut than Cody Zeller.

Sullinger isn't an elite shot-blocker, but he's more than capable of registering two a night. Sullinger is also a physical player who can outmuscle almost any opponent, making him the type of Kendrick Perkins message-sender that every team dreams of—and every opponent fears.

Season Averages: 30.39 PER - 17.5 PPG - 9.2 RPG - 1.2 APG - 1.2 SPG - 1.1 BPG

Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

Player Traits: PF - Sophomore - 6'11" - 235 pounds - 7'2" wingspan

As underwhelming a player as Perry Jones III has proven to be, it's impossible to overlook the physical tools he possesses. Taking note of his towering height, jaw-dropping athleticism and ball-handling skills alone leaves you in awe of his potential.

To say he'll never reach that level is impossible to predict, which is why he's such an attractive prospect.

In Milwaukee, PJ3 would be the quintessential well-rounded forward to replace Carlos Delfino and Ersan Ilyasova, who are both poised to hit free agency. His athletic ability would make him a force in transition alongside Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, while his defensive ability would fit well alongside Ekpe Udoh. Not to mention the two both attended Baylor.

Season Averages: 21.95 PER - 14.0 PPG - 7.6 RPG - 1.3 APG - 0.8 SPG

Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones

Player Traits: SF - Sophomore - 6'8" - 240 pounds

This certainly isn't a name you'd expect to see this high, but if you weigh the balance of talent and need, it's not as far-fetched as it may seem.

Royce White is the type of player who can take over a game with his scoring on any given night. He's also the player who can overcome poor shooting performances by taking over the role of facilitator, something Brandon Jennings has struggled to do.

Paired with his rebounding prowess and ability to defend multiple positions, Royce White becomes quite the tempting selection.

Don't expect this, but don't be surprised either.

Season Averages: 22.05 PER - 13.4 PPG - 9.3 RPG - 5.0 APG - 1.2 SPG - 0.9 BPG

Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

Player Traits: SF/PF - Sophomore - 6'8" - 244 pounds - 7'3" wingspan

In terms of talent, NCAA champion Terrence Jones is as good as they come. He can defend multiple positions, score from the low post and perimeter, facilitate as well as any guard and even displays some know-how in transition.

If not for his poor body language, he might be going in the top three.

Fortunately for the Bucks, Jones' stock remains lower than his talent should suggest. This creates an opportunity to complement the offensive-minded Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis with a two-way player that can take over on both ends of the floor.

This would be a steal for Milwaukee.

Season Averages: 24.83 PER - 12.4 PPG - 7.2 RPG - 1.4 APG - 1.8 BPG - 1.3 SPG