With an exciting 2014-2015 season from the Milwaukee Bucks behind us, we are just two weeks away from adding more talent and potential to the momentum that this young team has produced under the guidance of Jason Kidd. The Bucks made a dramatic jump from league-worst two seasons ago to competing in the playoffs this past year. With the 17th pick in the NBA Draft, Milwaukee now has a chance to add a few more pieces to possibly propel themselves into being a perennial Eastern Conference contender going into next season. It could happen sooner than we think, but what do the Bucks need to get to that next level? Some of these guys can help make it happen.

Myles Turner
College: Texas
Height: 7′
Weight: 243 lbs
Wingspan: 7’4″

To be fair, Turner is probably not a realistic pick for the Bucks, considering most mock drafts have him going in the lottery. But mock drafts are lame and I’m choosing to ignore them. So if by some miracle Turner drops to the Bucks at 17, they should jump on him in a heartbeat. The former Big 12 Freshman of the Year brings a lot of things to the table that the Bucks could use more of: rim protection, rebounding ability, and he can shoot! His wingspan is an attractive addition to this already long-armed team that loves to clog passing lanes and create steals that lead to fast break chances. He needs to bulk up a bit to be able to bang down low with other centers in the league and improve his post game for the NBA, but at 19 years old he has plenty of time to spend in the gym and improve his overall game.

Devin Booker
College: Kentucky
Height: 6’6′
Weight: 205 lbs
Wingspan: 6’8″

Booker would be an immediate solution to the lack of shooters that the Bucks currently have, and he could also serve as insurance at the shooting guard spot if Khris Middleton decides to test the free agency market. The kid is smart and is a force when shooting from behind the arc. Booker is not the quickest defender and that could cause him some trouble when guarding other NBA 2 guards. Fortunately he has good size, and maybe under the defensive standards that Kidd holds his teams to Booker’s defense can improve to the point where it’s an advantage and not a weakness.

Trey Lyles
College: Kentucky
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 235 lbs
Wingspan: 7’2″

Lyles is another great, young talent that could help establish more of a post presence for the Bucks. He is a versatile player who is apt at finishing plays around the rim. He’s got decent height and great length that again can complement this Bucks team defensively. It will be interesting to see if switching from being an oversized small forward in college to a power forward in the NBA will increase or decrease his effectiveness.

R.J. Hunter
College: Georgia State
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 185 lbs
Wingspan: 6’11”

A darling from the NCAA tournament, Hunter seems to be touted as one of the purest shooters coming out of this draft class. We already saw his clutch gene show itself against Baylor in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Hunter has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the line as well, and it is said that he is also an underrated passer. He’s another long-armed shooting guard that will bring outside shooting and length to the Bucks. He will likely be available at the 17th pick.

Sources:
http://www.nba.com/draft/2015/prospects/archive/?ls=iref:nba:draft:headlinest3a
http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/5/26/8639929/nba-draft-2015-bucks-gm-john-hammond
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2015-nba-mock-draft–take-2-203503777.html
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2015/