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Milwaukee Bucks: 5 goals for D.J. Wilson’s rookie season

By Josh Cornelissen

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: DJ Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: DJ Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: DJ Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: DJ Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /

The Milwaukee Bucks added another high-upside forward in the draft. What are five goals for the rookie season of D.J. Wilson?

The Milwaukee Bucks are one of only a handful of teams in the league without a glaring hole in their starting lineup. At every starting position the Bucks have a young talent, and that’s not even including the recovering Jabari Parker.

That has a few implications for their first-round draft selection. First, it meant that Milwaukee was able to draft based on talent and upside rather than immediate need. This lead to their selection of Michigan forward D.J. Wilson, a big with modern tools and the general resume of a stretch-4.

Secondly, it means that they will not be relying on major contributions from that pick to compete this season. That takes the pressure off the shoulders of a rookie such as Wilson, as he will not be called upon to make or break their season.

It also means that he isn’t stepping into a situation gift-wrapped for his pleasure. He will be a reserve, fighting for rotation minutes and earning his place on a team headed for the postseason. His environment will be geared towards team success, which means if he is not contributing to that goal he should not count on minutes.

As he steps into that environment, what are realistic goals for D.J. Wilson’s rookie season? Could he make an immediate impact, such as point guard Malcolm Brogdon did last season in his rookie year? Or will his development take more time – but potentially lead to even higher heights?

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