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2016 NBA Draft Primer: Central Division

By Ryan Blackburn

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Chicago Bulls at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Chicago Bulls at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Picks: 10, 36, 38

Team Needs: Veterans, two-way center, point guard with range

Untouchable Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker

Expendable Assets: Michael Carter-Williams, John Henson, Greg Monroe

Summary:

The Milwaukee Bucks were expected to take the next step forward on their path to contention, but various factors prevented them from doing so. The most glaring of these factors was their defense.

Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokuonmpo are solid defenders, but Jabari Parker and Greg Monroe left the back line open far too frequently, and as a result, Monroe was sent to the bench. Monroe’s offense and rebounding more than make up for his defensive shortcomings individually, but in order to overcome a bad defensive center, everybody else has to be solid.

The Bucks cannot play Parker and Monroe together if they expect to compete again, and if star power prevails, then Jabari will stay in the lineup. That means the Bucks need to do what they can to acquire a solid defensive center, something John Henson hasn’t been able to become.

Ideal Draft Day Trade:

If there were a match made in heaven for Nerlens Noel’s services, it’s the Milwaukee Bucks. He can immediately slide in as the starting center and grow with the young team. He demonstrated some incredible capabilities his first season, and while he struggled this year, his effectiveness was neutralized by Jahlil Okafor. He would be used properly in Milwaukee.

Predictions:

The Bucks don’t really need anymore young talent. Ten of their players are 25 or younger, and Monroe is 26. Adding the 10th overall pick to the mix isn’t likely to help them get better very quickly.

They shouldn’t hurry along their rebuild by trading one of their core pieces, but they absolutely should explore either moving up in the draft to add one final prospect before competing, or simply deal the selection to a team in need of more young talent.

More hoops habit: Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 6

Look for the Bucks to be active on draft night scoping out deals to add veteran talent at either point guard or center.