While the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship window is projected to be open, there’s no denying the roster’s age can become a detriment in the years to come. In that regard, the front office may consider injecting some youth to the lineup by selecting G-League Ignite forward Tyler Smith in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Any team in the NBA’s modern era needs a couple of guys who can both defend at a high level and shoot three-pointers on the other end. In years past, the Bucks boasted guys like P.J. Tucker and Wesley Matthews to do this job and it has yielded great results.
This year, though, Milwaukee has slacked on defense. Unlike the previous season when the team fielded a fourth-place defensive rating, the 2023-24 campaign saw the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led squad fall to 19th place out of 30 teams.
Even though veteran guard Patrick Beverley was acquired before the trade deadline to address this issue, there’s still a need for more 3-and-D wings who have enough motor in their bodies to stay on the opposing team’s best player. Doing so during the offseason will help Milwaukee contend against the best and prevent another early exit in the playoffs.
G-League Ignite Star Tyler Smith Among Options For Milwaukee Bucks To Consider in 2024 NBA Draft
If Milwaukee can’t get a player who can defend and shoot in free agency, they may have to find one in the draft. Franco Luna explains why G-League Ignite power forward Tyler Smith can get the job done in his article for Behind the Buck Pass.
“At just 19 years old, Smith is also still just a project type of player – but one with immense potential. The Bucks, with their championship core already established, could afford to develop him. In a few years, Smith could blossom into a floor-spacing threat and a switchable defender, complementing Giannis’ prime window.
Smith plays with a relentless motor, giving his all on both ends of the court. This dedication to hustle aligns perfectly with the Bucks’ culture. He’s also known for his coachability while being eager to learn and improve his weaknesses. This would allow the Bucks to mold him into the system, maximizing his skillset within their championship framework,” Luna wrote.
While he isn’t there yet completely, the upside Smith offers may end up being more than just settling in free agency. If done right, the G-League Ignite star can become a serviceable 3-and-D wing with lots of years ahead of him and a cheap contract that comes along with him.
The NBA Draft is scheduled on June 26 and 27 with the first round happening on the first night. It remains to be seen whether Smith will end up with the Bucks, some other team gets him, or he goes undrafted by then.
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