NBA Draft 2011: 5 Reasons Milwaukee Bucks Should Take Alec Burks No.10 Overall
NBA Draft 2011: 5 Reasons the Milwaukee Bucks Should Take Alec Burks 10th Overall
Times are tough for basketball in Milwaukee.
Last season, the Brandon Jennings-led Bucks limped their way towards a 35-47 regular-season record and fell two games out of playoff contention behind the Indiana Pacers.
Still, the future is looking extremely bright for the Bucks, who hold the 10th overall selection in the 2011 NBA draft. What they plan to do with that pick may seem uncertain at best.
In a draft littered with talent at each position on the floor, here are five reasons the Bucks should take Colorado forward Alec Burks 10th overall on June 23.
Follow Alec Dopp on twitter: @doppler9000.
Talent and Leadership
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This obviously goes without saying, but we'll reiterate it for good measure.
Burks was one of the top statistical players in all of college basketball last season, averaging 20.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG.
In the meantime, the Bucks are in need of serious talent and leadership on both ends of the floor, and Burks would be a perfect fit in Scott Skiles' plan of attack.
Reignite Fan Interest
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Milwaukee Bucks fans are some of the most loyal in all of basketball, but they could certainly use a spark when it comes to supporting their team.
Last season, the Bucks filled 82.3 percent of seats at the Bradley Center (enough to rank 23rd in the NBA) while averaging just over 15,000 at each home game during the 2010-2011 season.
With Burks, one of the most talented and well-known superstars entering this year's draft, the Bucks would have no problem improving on their fan attendance of seasons past.
Brandon Jennings Needs a New Offensive Complement
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Speculation surrounding Milwaukee's superstar point guard Brandon Jennings this offseason ranges from many different perspectives, but the clear need for the Bucks is to add another offensive threat capable of working with Jennings for many years to come.
Outside of Derrick Williams and Ines Kanter, Burks is the most viable option for the Bucks as the draft draws nearer.
The one-two punch of Jennings and Burks may become as famous as Milwaukee's other pair of superstars Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder.
Is Carlos Delfino Really the Best Option Moving Forward?
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No player carried a more vital role in Milwaukee's memorable 2010 first-round series with the Atlanta Hawks than Carlos Delfino. Averaging 10.0 PPG, 32.3 MPG and 4.0 RPG, Delfino was a vital role player in Milwaukee's postseason successes in 2010.
However, Delfino's skillset and statistical output isn't what the Bucks should be looking for in a small forward on the offensive and defensive end.
Burks' lean 6'6", 195-pound athletic frame is capable of taking the Bucks to the next level—something that Delfino clearly isn't capable of accomplishing.
A Deep Playoff Run May Be but One Draft Pick Away...
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The Bucks finished ninth overall (35-47) in the Eastern Conference last season despite notable injuries to Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings. With a fully healthy team, who knows how far they could have reached this season?
Nevertheless, the Bucks could be one draft pick away from making their way back into the playoffs, and he could be the missing link in Milwaukee's offensive and defensive arsenal.
