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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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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: D.J. Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: D.J. Wilson #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2017 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Crack the rotation

Giannis Antetokokounmpo is one of the most versatile and athletic players in the entire league, and as he grows into a superstar it’s becoming clear his best NBA position is the 4. Jabari Parker was a dynamic scorer at the 4 before tearing his ACL. Mirza Teletovic will make $10.5 million next season as a stretch-4.

That means there are not simply minutes lying around for D.J. Wilson to step into at the power forward position. While the team has incentive to find a place for him as their first-round pick, that does not mean he will be gifted a place in their rotation.

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The Milwaukee Bucks have proven they aren’t afraid to give rookie contributors minutes if they can be relied upon. Both Malcolm Brogdon and Thon Maker started playoff games last season for the Bucks during their rookie seasons. Head coach Jason Kidd won’t stand on tradition and block first-year players from playing their way into a role.

But Wilson has to prove he deserves a place in the rotation, and quickly. When Parker returns from rehabbing his knee injury the minutes will dry up unless Wilson has proven he deserves them. That probably means stealing minutes from Teletovic, who could be moved at the trade deadline if Milwaukee can find a taker.

Wilson is young, but he has the athleticism and upside to carve out a small role for himself. If he does that early enough, he could be the next rookie Buck to make a postseason impact for the franchise.

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