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

3. Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon

One of the NCAA Tournament’s breakout stars, Jordan Bell looked like a man among boys through most of March Madness. In the absence of injured center Chris Boucher, Bell took over at center and helped lead the Ducks to the Final Four.

The 6’9″ power forward out of Oregon may be the best defender in the draft. That statement passes the statistical test (8.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks per game), the eye test (dominant defensive performance in Elite Eight victory over Kansas), and the award test (named PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year). Bell is simply a special player on that side of the ball.

Bell never pulled down fewer than 12 rebounds in any of the Ducks’ five NCAA tournament games, including a season-high 16 boards in the Final Four. Against Kansas in the Elite Eight, Bell swatted away eight shots and most likely won Oregon the game on the defensive end.

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A Royal Pain

What makes the junior big such an intriguing prospect is that he may have significant offensive upside as well. Bell’s hustle and athleticism will make him a weapon in transition from day one, and his motor attacking the offensive glass should generate production as well. While Oregon didn’t run many pick-and-rolls with Bell, his athleticism and excellent hands should translate to strong skills as a roll man.

What limits Bell is a lack of offensive skill, including the ability to generate offense. While he is hyper efficient – he shot 63.6 percent from the field this season, and 72.9 percent during the tournament – he relies on other players to set him up. Bell lacks a jumper from any range, has only one real post move, and won’t be able to put the ball on the deck and create against NBA defenses.

Milwaukee is filled with shot creators, from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Jabari Parker to Malcolm Brogdon, so Bell’s weakness isn’t a death sentence. He won’t fill a role such as Greg Monroe did this past season, but few fit that role as well as Moose. Bell’s defensive upside is high enough that he would be a steal at No. 48.

Drafting a true game-changing player in the back half of the second round is a unique opportunity. While Bell lacks center size and a diverse offensive skill set, the areas he does excel in give him a role right away in the league.