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Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for pick No. 30 in 2019 NBA Draft

By Josh Cornelissen

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during the first half against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during the first half against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Mfiondu Kabengele

One will be forgiven for not being able to pronounce the name of one of the draft’s best-kept secrets. Although projected to go late in the first or into the second round, Florida State’s Mfiondu Kabengele could end up being one of the very best prospects in the draft.

At 6’10” with a 7’3” wingspan (plus a monster 9’1” standing reach) Kabengele is built like an oak tree, a strong rim protector who won’t lose battles inside. The nephew of Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo is a natural at timing blocks and swatting shots, and is special at covering space while moving with a play, shutting down pick-and-roll or transition actions.

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    • He is also foul-prone and spacy, not boxing out or losing his man to cuts when he’s watching the ball. Offensively he is a solid shooter (36.9 percent from 3) spotting up and on the pick-and-pop, making him the perfect fit for Milwaukee’s system. He can crash the offensive glass and commonly win, and his athleticism make him a threat with or without the ball around the rim. Even so, passing the ball to him means you will likely not see it again as Kabengele will look to score.

    The downsides to Kabengele are not related to skill or athleticism, as he has both. His natural ability is prodigious. The drawbacks, and why he did not simply dominate college basketball, are all tied to his motor and decision-making. A smart coaching staff with experienced veterans could help show Kabengele how he can better move the ball, or set hard screens to free up teammates.

    Mike Budenholzer and the Bucks would be rightfully confident in cleaning up his game and unlocking the future All-Defensive candidate underneath. Serge Ibaka has made an impact on two NBA Finals teams during his career, and Kabengele could have a similar impact for whatever team drafts him. If the Bucks get such an opportunity they should leap at it.

    Next. Post-combine 2019 NBA Mock Draft. dark

    However the first round plays out, the Bucks will have the opportunity to close things out by taking a talented player. It’s very likely one of the players on this list will be there for the taking. If so, the team will be well-served adding a piece to their roster who can help them to sustain their success in the years to come.

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