The Milwaukee Bucks drafted D.J. Wilson with the 17th pick in June's NBA draft because of his positional versatility, length, athleticism, ability to shoot from long range and fitting the overall Bucks DNA. What they might not have known was that in acquiring Wilson they were getting a high-level cheerleader at the same time.

Wilson, who has played a total of 74 seconds in the Bucks' first five games, has certainly made his presence known on the bench. After a basket, block or other big play, you're liable to catch Wilson bursting out of his chair to celebrate, whether it's dancing along the baseline, pantomiming a finger roll or stretching out three fingers high above his head after a teammate nails a triple.

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The rookie forward may not be playing much heading into Sunday's 2:30 p.m. game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena, but he's sure enjoying his time in the NBA.

“I've had fun," Wilson said. "I’ve just been enjoying the process. ... I think we’ve kind of just gotten things rolling these past few games and ended up with dubs (wins) and so that’s really all you can ask for.

“Not only does it give the team energy, I think, but also I just stay locked in and engaged so when my number is called I know what’s going on and I’m not lost out there.”

The joy Wilson exhibits toward the end of the bench is something that comes naturally, he says. He enjoys being part of the team, enjoys being focused on the game and has no problem expressing himself.

Playing that role, though, is something he's practiced. He found himself with limited playing time at points in high school then logged 5.9 minutes per game in 31 appearances over his freshman and sophomore seasons at Michigan before his breakout junior year that propelled him into the NBA.

Shouldering less of an on-court role during games allows Wilson to have fun while he's on the bench, but he's found there are other positives to his situation. The biggest one is that he's afforded more downtime, which he can use to improve both his body and his game in order to be as ready as possible for when the Bucks need him.

“I’ve been working on everything," Wilson said. "I work multiple times a day every day; I’m always in the gym. So you know when my number is called I’m going to be prepared. I never lack confidence. I just trust the process. I’ve been through it in high school and at Michigan and both those scenarios turned out great. I have faith in myself and I have faith in the organization. Everything’s going to work out.”

Until the process moves along to the point where Wilson is a regular on the court, he's going to keep the antics coming. He'll continue dancing in the middle of the huddle at the end of introductions and bubbling excitement when his teammates pull off a slick play on the court.

Wilson doesn't care if they notice, but they do.

“Absolutely, that’s huge for us," guard Malcolm Brogdon said. "It’s like when the fans are involved and they’re up and they’re screaming and talking, when we have teammates on the bench that are up and talking — whether it’s rooting for us, whether it’s talking for us on defense — it really means a lot, it really helps us.”

Coach Jason Kidd, too, has noticed Wilson's celebrations while going over film. He's also seen the rookie's work in the gym — both during and outside of practice.

"He's into the game and he's going to get a chance to play," Kidd said. "I think it's also great to see a rookie have that kind of involvement, knowing that if he doesn't play he can still have an effect on his teammates.

"He's going to be a guy on the floor who causes disruption, who can make plays off the dribble and also shoot the ball."