What NBA Draft May Reveal About Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Moves

“We’re not trying to build a roster like we have in the past.” Jon Horst made that clear with his two second-round draft picks on Thursday night and his comments to reporters following the annual event.

Horst said about new head coach Adrian Griffin, “He’s a different coach. We’re going to have a different system. There are core non-negotiable things that we’re always going to care about and he’s very aligned in those things, but we also weigh on his opinions and use his opinions in trying to build this out.”

In Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston, the Bucks drafted two wings who will not be confused with good outside shooters. In the past, Milwaukee only brought in wings who could knock down threes or had the potential to develop into a quality outside shooter. Look at Marjon Beauchamp, Grayson Allen, AJ Green, Joe Ingles and Jay Crowder. All of those players bring some potential aspect of a prototypical three-and-D wing.

Jackson Jr. and Livingston have the potential to bring the “D” thanks to their length and strength. Jackson stands 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, while Livingston is 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. Heck, even two-way signing Omari Moore fits the same profile at 6-foot-6 with a wingspan just under 6-foot-10.

Although none of them are reliable three-point shooters, they find other ways to contribute to the offense. Instead of standing in a corner off-ball, they understand how to cut without the rock in their hands. Jackson Jr., in particular, is a savvy offensive player with a high basketball I.Q. He understands how to read defenses and move to open spots on the floor when they turn their attention elsewhere.

The Bucks’ offense needed more ball and player movement under Mike Budenholzer. They relied too heavily on isolation ball and guys such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton creating their own shot or one for their teammates.

The additions of Jackson Jr. and Livingston could signal a changing of the guard.

Shooting is still essential, especially around Antetokounmpo, but there are other ways to create spacing. We won’t know until we see it in action. Still, Griffin could be on the verge of implementing an offense with much more player movement away from the ball.

That will make the future of Allen, Ingles, and Crowder particularly interesting. Milwaukee doesn’t have many ways to improve or add different players to their roster this offseason. They could explore trading Allen, Pat Connaughton or Bobby Portis to bring in some fresh blood. They could also re-sign their own free agents while going over the salary cap—a move they can’t do with outside free agents.

Budenholzer had a clear type he wanted the Bucks to acquire in players who could provide maximum three-point shooting around Antetokounmpo. Spacing will still be critical in today’s game.

However, the draft signals Milwaukee may be looking to diversify its offensive profile. Three-point shooting won’t be the only way they get players open looks when the defense sends double teams at Antetokounmpo. Cutting, screening, player movement, and a deep understanding of how to move without the ball will be critical elements in the Bucks’ new offense.