Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for pick No. 17 in 2018 NBA Draft

1. Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State

If players such as Zhaire Smith or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ride the wave of excitement into higher and higher draft stock, every season a player drops despite elite college production and an excellent NBA projection. Last season OG Anunoby fell due to injury concerns, and Josh Hart due to age concerns, but both were excellent pros from the jump.

This season that player could be Keita Bates-Diop, who on the outside appears to be the quintessential NBA forward. At 6’7″ with a 7’2″ wingspan, he is a perfect modern combo forward, able to guard on the wing or slide to the 4. The best player on an Ohio State team expected to finish at the bottom of the Big 10, Bates-Diop led the Buckeyes into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Big 10 Player of the Year averaged 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, and felt completely unstoppable at times. His mediocre passing numbers may be the cause of a poor supporting cast, but that’s also a skill players develop regularly under Mike Budenholzer. He can shoot, dribble, drive, pass and finish at good, if not elite levels.

Defensively he could be special, with all of the tools to be a plus defender. On both ends of the court, Bates-Diop understands the game at a high level, and if Jabari Parker does not return to the Bucks next season, he would be able to step in immediately at the backup 4.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

It becomes easy to overhype prospects and focus on their strengths. Each of these players — and indeed every player eligible for the draft — has flaws. But what is illuminating about this particular draft class is that it is deep, with a plethora of options available even past the lottery. The Bucks will have plenty to choose from when their turn comes around, and it will be vital that they choose well.