8. Milwaukee Bucks (26-56)
Team needs: SF, PF
2008-2009 payroll: $62.4 M
THEY SHOULD PICK: Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
Coach Z’s scouting report: With another year
in college, he might have developed into a more athletic Wally
Szczerbiak… great athlete who competes on every play… Bobby Huggins and
John Beilein prepared him well… needs better range on his jumper and
quicker feet on defense… also needs to develop his handling skills to
become a star…
What they’re thinking: With Desmond Mason and
Bobby Simmons on the roster, small forward is the most pressing need
for the Bucks. Alexander is a phenomenal athlete, and his
competitiveness would fit well with Scott Skiles’ coaching style. His
stock is rising and he was tough as a bear in the NCAA tournament. He
is strong and fiery, and his tenacity would be infectious. Russell
Westbrook and Kevin Love are distinct possibilities, if they’re
available. Danilo Gallinari is another player that would fill a need.
Offseason blueprint: Andrew Bogut is
developing into a very good center, so the question is – are the Bucks
building around Bogut, or are they building around Bogut and Michael
Redd? With the supporting talent – Mo Williams, Yi Jianlian and Charlie
Villanueva – of a playoff team, new GM John Hammond will likely make a
trade or two, but expect him to see how Bogut, Redd and Skiles mesh
before parting with one of the bigger pieces.
See the rest of the draft preview here.