Milwaukee Bucks: 5 things to watch for in 2017 NBA Summer League

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: D.J. Wilson #5 of the Michigan Wolverines drives against Anas Mahmoud #14 of the Louisville Cardinals in the first half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 23: D.J. Wilson #5 of the Michigan Wolverines grabs the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at Sprint Center on March 23, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

5. Was D.J. Wilson worth the 17th pick?

The Milwaukee Bucks outshot many draft boards in making their selection with the 17th pick. Wilson, a young big out of Michigan, was a surprise for many when the Bucks picked him there, passing on blue bloods such as Harry Giles or sharpshooters such as Terrance Ferguson.

This is not the first time the Bucks have surprised in making their first-round picks, and those moves have often worked out for them – from Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2013 to Thon Maker at No. 10 just last year. But just because they have succeeded in the past doesn’t mean their latest leap ahead of the pack will pay off.

Wilson is long and athletic, with the makings of an above-average defender who uses his length to bother smaller combo forwards. On offense he will be dynamic if he can extend his range beyond the arc.

He is surrounded by questions, however, and the answers to those questions will begin in Las Vegas. Were Wilson’s rebounding issues in college a factor of the system, or is he going to struggle on the glass in the NBA? Can he finish inside? When facing larger 4s, can he hold his own?

As he projects to start alongside second-year player Thon Maker, Wilson will see plenty of minutes and have the chance to show he can be a player to step in from day one and contribute.

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