The second of three days worth of Milwaukee Bucks prospect workouts featured what scouting director Billy McKinney called “a group of very solid second round players.”
By Jake McCormick
Here’s a run down of how each player would fit in with the Bucks and their chances of playing in Milwaukee next season by way of the draft:
Jon Scheyer (SG, 6’5″, 190 lbs), Duke
As a senior, Scheyer averaged 18.2 points, 4.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals on 39.9% from the field (38.3% 3FG), and 87.8% from the line.
Fitting in with the Bucks:
Scheyer can shoot from anywhere on the floor and has a high basketball IQ. He limits his turnovers, has the experience of winning a national championship, and would excell off the bench in pick and roll plays.
“This is my chance for a team to see me up close,” Scheyer said. “There are certain things you can’t see while watching on TV like how hard you play, the way you talk, things like that. You play as hard as you can and not worry about what you can or can’t do. I’ll play my game regardless.”
Problems:
Scheyer doesn’t defend very well or like contact, and won’t be much of a threat to create his own shot off the dribble at the next level. He’s basically JJ Redick 2010.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 40%
Scheyer has that blue collar mentality Skiles and Co. love, and would surely fit in the role vacated by Luke Ridnour. If he’s available at 47, I wouldn’t bet against Milwaukee giving him a call.
Matt Bouldin (SG, 6’5″, 224 lbs), Gonzaga
As a senior, Bouldin averaged 15.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4 assists on 45.1% from the field (36.5% 3FG), and 85.6% from the line.
How he would fit with the Bucks:
Bouldin is a quality long and mid-range shooter, and is a Charlie Hustle-type guy with a high basketball IQ. Bouldin is a good free throw shooter and also uses his size against smaller defenders.
Problems:
Bouldin isn’t very athletic and has problems defending fast guards off the dribble, which would severely limit his chances to compete as a starting two guard.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 30%
If Bouldin is around at 47, the Bucks will surely give him a look because of his high energy, highly intelligent game, but that could also depend on the level on interest other teams show in the former Zag and who Milwaukee selects at 15 and 37.
Wayne Chism (PF, 6’9″, 246 lbs), Tennessee
As a senior, Chism averaged 12.6 points, 7,2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on 46.6% from the field (32.4% 3FG), and 71.6% from the line.
Fitting in with the Bucks:
He is similar to Ersan Ilyasova in that he can put up good numbers at the four, while stepping out and taking an occasional three. However, Chism can be a banger down low and plays quality interior defense, which is a big need for Milwaukee.
Problems:
At 6’9″, Chism is fairly short as a power forward, and doesn’t have much of a vertical. His 15-footer also doesn’t hold much of a candle to even Kurt Thomas’, so he would need to improve his mid-range game before seeing any significant playing time in Milwaukee.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 20%
Chism would fill a defensive need, but with Ilyasova improving, I doubt Chism would see much playing time.
Keith “Tiny” Gallon (PF, 6’9″, 296 lbs), Oklahoma
As a freshman, Gallon averaged 10.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and .8 blocks on 54.7% from the field (23.5% 3FG), and 69.7% from the line.
Fitting in with the Bucks: At nearly 300 pounds, “Tiny” is a bruiser near the basket, but can also face up and attack the basket, and step out and hit mid-range and long jumpers. He’s an impressive rebounder as well.
Problems:
Gallon isn’t much of a defender, is turnover-prone, and his size is an understandable crutch when taking on athletic big men. He also has that ever present question of how he plans to maintain a healthy weight.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 10%
Gallon may be buddies with Jennings from their year at Oak Hill Academy together, but he wouldn’t see much floor time with the Bucks if he can’t defend well. Milwaukee would much prefer a solid defender with developing offensive skills, and Gallon is the exact opposite.
Gani Lawal (PF, 6’9″, 234 lbs), Georgia Tech
As a junior, Lawal averaged 13.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on 52.9% from the field and 57.2% from the line.
Fitting in with the Bucks:
Lawal has a good array of low-post moves, is physical, and can hit a mid-range jumper or two every game. He’s lengthy, plays explosive above the rim, and goes 100% all the time.
Problems:
He’s a Hack-a-Shaq candidate in crunch time, and can’t defend well outside of the paint. Although he can hit a few jumpers, he has to be more consistent with them in order to see increased minutes.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 35%
Lawal will probably not be around when the Bucks pick at 37, but they’d be wise to add a more pure inside presence if he is still on the board. Don’t count on it though.
Deon Thompson (PF, 6’8″, 245 lbs), North Carolina
As a senior, Thompson averaged 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1 block on 48.4% from the field and 69.3% from the line.
Fitting in with the Bucks:
Thompson plays with a lot of energy, has the length to go over bigger defenders with shots, and can step out for a decent mid-range jumper. He also has shown good awareness as a shot blocker and defender.
Problems:
Thompson is undersized and doesn’t play above the rim consistently. He’s also not much of a ball handler and would have some trouble working in the high percentage range without some help.
Chances of getting drafted by the Bucks: 15%
North Carolina players always get a look in the NBA, and Thompson will probably come up in conversations in the late second round, but the Bucks have a better chance of giving him a look after the draft.
All of these potential picks have the ability to contribute right away, which is something McKinney and the Bucks are stressing as they go about their pre-draft workouts.
“I’ve always believed that regardless of where your drafted in the NBA you have to come in with a sense of urgency,” McKinney said. “When we’re evaluating players, the message we want to send out is there’s time for development but you have to develop within the context of the game as well, not just in practice.”