Milwaukee Bucks: 5 takeaways from 2018 NBA Summer League

3. D.J. Wilson showed hints of growth

If the Bucks’ goals at NBA Summer League were reduced to just the core — team success, mining for two-way players, and seeing how Sterling Brown played all stripped away — the organization wished to see what its last two first round picks had to offer.

In D.J. Wilson, the Bucks have what looked like a wasted pick in 2017-18, as Wilson was largely a non-factor for the team. After selecting the Michigan forward with the 17th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Bucks had to watch as players they passed on — John Collins, Jarrett Allen, OG Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma — all had strong rookie seasons. Their guy played a total of 71 minutes all season long.

Returning as a second-year player in NBA Summer League, Wilson had the opportunity to show he still had something to offer the Bucks. Given the third-most minutes on the squad, he was told to show what he had, and he responded — if inconsistently — with some examples of growth.

Largely a finisher last season, Wilson played with the ball in his hands more in Las Vegas, able to generate offense from the perimeter. After tallying just three assists all of last season, Wilson averaged 2.2 per game in Vegas. He was also active on defense, disrupting passes and forcing turnovers.

Wilson was also passive at times, had an inconsistent shot and was a part of a team effort in turning the ball over at astronomical rates. For the Bucks to have confidence in Wilson becoming something special, they would have liked him to be the player dominating games and not teammate Christian Wood.

The jury is still out on Wilson, and Summer League helped his case in small ways. But for those looking for proof that he will be an impact player, they will have to wait until the season begins.