Draft Predictions

Last year, the night before the draft, we gathered mock drafts. Merely one of those 25 mock drafts predicted Rashad Vaughn to the Bucks (tip-of-a-cap to NBADraft.net).

So, beware of any consensus emerging. Right now, Jakob Poeltl is a popular choice at #10, particularly among some of the most reputable in the biz, it should be noted. If you like Poeltl, this should be exciting. If you don’t like Poeltl, this should not be so discouraging.

The draft is less than a month away. Here we are at the moment: Poeltl (7), Marquese Chriss (2), Denzel Valentine (2).

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“Greg Monroe has been somewhat of a disappointment since signing as a free agent last summer, which could prompt the Bucks to explore alternative options at the position. Poeltl is considered the best center in this draft and has plenty of upside physically and skill-wise.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“It's shocking that Poeltl could actually be drafted behind Jaylen Brown and Skal Labissiere, but most of the teams in the top 10 don't need centers. Milwaukee is one team that definitely needs a pivot and spent large parts of last season getting torched with Greg Monroe filling in for the departed Zaza Pachulia. The Bucks could get more ambitious with this pick and let Poeltl slide to Orlando, but for now, let's assume they keep it simple and grab someone who can slide in next year and help right away.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“The Bucks suffered defensively with Greg Monroe in the middle and will probably look to see what they can get on the trade market this summer. Even if they keep him, Poeltl, the No. 1 rated center on our Board, seems like a good fit. He's a fluid athlete with great hands who rebounds and protects the rim. He needs to get stronger, but he's a good value at No. 10.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“Poeltl works here due to his athleticism and mobility. The 7-foot Austrian represents the last player in a tier before a bit of a drop-off to the next level, as his ability to play in the post, defend both inside and out, pass the ball, and rebound should play well and make him an NBA starter in the future.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“One of the many reasons Poeltl returned to Utah for his sophomore season was to improve as a player and prospect, and he undeniably benefitted from it. He's better in every way after taking Utah to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. Last year, he would've likely gone in the 20s. Now he'll go in the lottery.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

“With their slew of big wings, Milwaukee could go in a variety of different ways. Getting a big man capable of playing good team defense, and being as versatile offensively as Poeltl is, would be a nice addition, even if the Bucks decide to keep Greg Monroe around for the long haul.”

Jakob Poeltl

Center – Utah – 20 years old – 7-1 – 239 lbs

Marquese Chriss

Power Forward – Washington – 18 years old – 6-10 – 233 lbs

“Chriss probably should probably be returning to Washington and working on his game, but when you blow up with the type of freshman season that he had, it's hard to fault his decision. He is a candidate to spend the next 2-3 years in the D-League before being able to contribute to an NBA team. His upside is considerable, as he shows good touch out to 15 feet and is a superb run-jump athlete with NBA power forward size at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan. His body language on the floor and interactions with refs expose his lack of maturity, though he's in fact a bright kid who was studying engineering.”

Marquese Chriss

Power Forward – Washington – 18 years old – 6-10 – 233 lbs

Denzel Valentine

Shooting Guard – Michigan State – 22 years old – 6-6 – 210 lbs

“There aren’t many better fits for Valentine than the Bucks. His weaknesses on defense can be mitigated by Milwaukee’s strengths, and he’d be a tremendous playmaker and floor spacer playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

Denzel Valentine

Shooting Guard – Michigan State – 22 years old – 6-6 – 210 lbs

“When the Bucks’ pick comes around, we’re probably going to be looking at a run of big men. But the Bucks badly need a versatile wing to go with shooting guard Khris Middleton and power forward Jabari Parker, and Valentine is a mature perimeter guy who developed into a reliable passer and rebounder, in addition to providing scoring when needed. Does he have the athleticism to play in the NBA? That’s the big question. But if his collegiate production transfers to the NBA at all, he would be ideal in Milwaukee.”

Deyonta Davis

Power Forward/Center – Michigan State – 19 years old – 6-11 – 237 lbs

“His college coach, Tom Izzo, raved about Davis' high ceiling, with the supporting evidence of a freshman continuing to improve while being held back by persistent foul trouble early in the season. Though not much of an offensive threat now, especially beyond the paint, Davis showed the potential to develop a perimeter game. Rebounding and blocking shots has driven the rise from late-first round in January into solid lottery territory.”