Full Scouting Report for Milwaukee Bucks' Top 2015 Draft Targets
The Milwaukee Bucks may not find themselves picking near the top of the draft again, (with the opportunity to take someone like Jabari Parker), but their list of options will certainly help mold the franchise's future.
Picking 17th overall and also possessing the draft's 46th slot, the Bucks will have at least two opportunities to bolster a roster that shocked everyone and earned a No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Clearly, there is a weakness at the center position after the departure of Larry Sanders. The shooting guard position, which isn't a strong suit, could also use some attention should there be a talented 2-guard available.
Based on their likely availability come time for the Bucks to pick, here are the scouting reports for the top prospects on Milwaukee's draft board.
Bobby Portis, Arkansas (Sophomore)
As mentioned, the Bucks' interior could certainly use some assistance, and Portis is one player who could provide them with that.
Standing 6'11" and weighing 246 pounds, he's of a similar build to John Henson, albeit a little bit heavier, and plays much stronger than he looks—which is a good thing. And he has a much more versatile game than any other big in the current rotation.
In 2014-15, Portis averaged 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals while knocking down 53.6 percent of his shots and an impressive 46.7 percent on his threes. And while he didn't take a ton of looks from long distance—just 30 on the year—the fact that he's capable of hitting that shot is an added bonus.
Additionally, he is a workable post player who, according to DraftExpress, is also aggressive when it comes to establishing a deep post position. On top of that, it also cites him as an excellent rebounder with relentless work ethic. In fact, he hauled in an impressive 4.5 offensive rebounds per game.
Having a versatile big man like Portis would allow the Bucks to spread the floor more, creating space for players such as Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Michael Carter-Williams. While finding a bruising center would be ideal, there aren't many in the draft.
Not only that, but Portis plays with plenty of energy and tenacity, something the team needs down low.
He isn't the most athletic player or explosive player in the draft, but the Bucks could certainly use some of his other positive characteristics. If he's available when they're on the clock for their first-round pick, he will likely be the best available option.
Rashad Vaughn, UNLV (Freshman)
In need of shooting, Vaughn is likely to be the best candidate to fill that void when the Bucks pick at No. 17. Not only that, but the 18-year-old may be one of the hottest prospects right now.
According to Matt Youmans of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Vaughn's stock has gone from being a second-round pick to now creeping further into the first round. DraftExpress has the shooting guard going No. 21.
Another interesting note from Youmans' article is specifically in reference to Vaughn fitting into the quicker style many teams are beginning to play: "Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd and Sacramento coach George Karl recently made comments emphasizing a shift to playing faster. Larry Bird, the Pacers’ president of basketball operations, talked about similar plans at the end of the regular season."
At 6'6", 210 pounds, Vaughn fits the mold of a prototypical 2-guard, and during his lone year in Las Vegas averaged 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range. Considering the hype he had coming in, those numbers actually may have disappointed slightly. And given that they are pretty respectable, that's saying something.
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress cites Vaughn's ability to score on the perimeter as one of his most sought-after attributes:
"Vaughn's biggest appeal as a NBA prospect revolves around his tremendous scoring instincts from the perimeter, specifically his shot-making prowess. He averaged over 22 points per-40 minutes at the age of 18, which is something only 29 players in the last 15 years of college basketball can boast, all but eight of whom ended up being NBA players.
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Given the Bucks' struggle from distance at times—and their lack of presence at shooting guard—this is an intriguing quality for a prospect to possess.
The youngster certainly fits a need for the team and should most likely—unless his stock continues to boom—be available when the Bucks pick in the first round. Depending on whether they value a big man or shooting more, Vaughn may end in Milwaukee for the 2015-16 season.
And that would probably please plenty of people.
Christian Wood, UNLV (Sophomore)
Wood—who just so happened to be Vaughn's teammate at UNLV—would be an intriguing prospect for the Bucks should they decide to go the route of drafting a big man.
At 6'11", with a 7'3" wingspan, Wood physically has the tools to play the power forward or center position in the NBA for years to come. At just 216 pounds, though, it's clear he has a long way to go when it comes to adding bulk to his frame.
However, as DraftExpress states, the 19-year-old has a wide array of offensive skills and has shown the capability to score from the paint and from the perimeter:
"Offensively, Wood is uniquely versatile, showing sparks of potential in many different areas that give him a nice framework of skills to build on long-term, both on the perimeter or inside the paint.
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He is a threat to get out in the open court, either by running the floor or even grabbing a defensive rebound and handling the ball coast to coast himself.
Additionally, the sophomore converted 70 percent of his field goals around the basket this past season en route to averaging 15.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.7 blocks on 49.7 percent shooting from the floor.
And while he only hit 28.4 percent of his threes, his shooting mechanics are sound. With work, he should be able to develop a more consistent shot from long range. That's a skill the Bucks, who are looking for shooters to space the floor, would greatly appreciate.
Like many players of his age and height, Wood lacks strength, and there is plenty of refining to do when it comes to his game. Still, once you get beyond the lottery, finding a sure thing is nearly impossible to do. Really, that can be said with any prospect.
With Wood's unique combination of skills and physical prowess, using the 17th overall pick on him would not be a bad idea.
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