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Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for pick No. 48 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Josh Cornelissen

Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) shoots the ball during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) shoots the ball during practice the day before the East Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Johnathan Motley, F, Baylor

One of the final players to officially toss his hat into the ring, Johnathan Motley was perhaps the Big 12’s best player this season not named Frank Mason. The Baylor junior could be the next long forward to develop under Milwaukee’s tutelage.

The first thing one notices about Motley is his size, as he is 6’9″ and boasts an incredible 7’4″ wingspan. Not only does that sound like a Milwaukee Buck, but his length was a key part of his weakside shot-blocking. The Bucks’ second unit frontcourt – some combination of Greg Monroe, Michael Beasley and Mirza Teletovic – boasted no shot-blockers, and Motley would immediately inject some bounce into that group defensively.

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Motley combines his physical tools with a strong drive on the court, especially attacking the glass. He pulled in 9.9 rebounds per game last season, a number that led the Big 12. While Motley needs to add weight to battle inside, he could grow into a small-ball center option early into his career.

The knock on Motley is that he lacks polish. He has all of the tools to succeed, but can he add the requisite skill to perform defensively and fit into an offensive scheme? And will a supposed lack of love for the game dial back his development?

If Milwaukee believes it can guide Motley to the intersection of his ability and potential, then they could get a steal in the second round. The only problem will be if another team decides to take the same risk before the Bucks are able to pick.

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