Would another wing be good for the Bucks? In the modern NBA, it probably couldn't hurt.

Matt Velazquez
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ohio State forward Keita Bates-Diop was the Big Ten player of the year in 2017-'18.

The Milwaukee Bucks have the look of a team that could thrive in the modern NBA. Their players tend to be long and athletic, affording them the versatility to play almost positionless basketball and switch everything on defense.

A core part of that identity has been build by stocking up on adaptable wing players who can challenge defenses by being able to score all over the court while stifling opponents at the other end by switching screens while still minimizing mismatches.

While there are certainly good reasons why a point guard might be the best fit for the Bucks in Thursday's NBA draft, the second installment in a four-part Bucks draft series explores the merits of using the No. 17 pick to add another wing to Milwaukee's stable of dynamic off-ball players.

Current wings

The definition of "wing" is as fluid as the players themselves are. Anyone from a traditional shooting guard to a power forward can be categorized as a wing.

When it comes to the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Tony Snell, Sterling Brown and D.J. Wilson could reasonably fit that mold, although Wilson's true position remains to be determined considering his minimal playing time last year. Malcolm Brogdon, a point guard in some lineups and a two-guard in others, could also be considered a wing. All six  — four of them starting-caliber guys — are under contract for next season.

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Jabari Parker also fits in this category, although his contract situation makes things more complicated. He's a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Bucks will have the ability to match any offer extended to him to keep him in Milwaukee. His free agency is one of the more interesting subplots of this off-season, but suffice to say it will affect everything the Bucks do this summer.

Why drafting a wing would make sense

With its broad definition, this positional designation covers a vast array of prospects, making this a deeper pool of talent compared to point guards and big men. There's no shortage of capable wings with interesting skill sets who could slot into the Bucks' lineup and immediately challenge for playing time.

In addition, the league rewards teams with deep, versatile talent on the wings. The Bucks need look no further than the Boston Celtics — the team that eliminated them from the playoffs — for evidence of that. The Celtics' pair of young wings, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, played well in the playoffs, and when they came out Boston coach Brad Stevens had options that worked.

The Bucks are chock full of talent and versatility and adding a rookie wing to that mix — preferably one who can shoot from long range and play solid defense — can't hurt in the modern NBA. There's always room for a player with size, length, skill and tenacity who can guard multiple positions.

With Parker's contract status in flux, having some insurance heading into free agency seems like a prudent move for the short and long term. Also, Middleton is heading into the last certain year of his deal — he has a player option for 2019-'20 — adding another reason to consider stocking up for the future.

Why drafting a wing may not be ideal

Similar to the situation with the Bucks' point guards, there are a lot of options on the wing that may limit a rookie's minutes, especially if Parker is brought back. Antetokounmpo and Middleton are going to get extensive minutes, as would Brogdon and Parker. Snell, so long as he can continue shooting over 40% from three-point range, would be too useful not to have on the floor for a sizable chunk of minutes and Brown, who showed flashes as a three-and-D player as a rookie, could make a jump next season.

That wouldn't leave much time for a rookie, who would likely still need some development time to find his niche on both ends of the court.

Additionally, the Bucks would likely be able to find a solid wing on the free-agent market if they passed on one in the draft. In the past few seasons, they've been able to bring in players such as Jared Dudley, Steve Novak, Michael Beasley and Shabazz Muhammad on contracts that were either manageable or at the league minimum. Talented bench scorers and shooters should be available on the open market and with an up-and-coming team and a star like Antetokounmpo, the Bucks could be in a position to attract the right player to fit their roster either before or after making a decision on Parker.

Skills needed

Versatility on both ends will be prized regardless of whether the prospective draftee looks like a traditional shooting guard or power forward. He'll need to be a threat to stretch the floor with his shooting while also being able to create off the drive and inside.

Defensively, the more positions he can cover the better. That doesn't necessarily mean having extensive size or length, but knowing the right spots to be in, being able to use one's body, lateral quickness to get around screens and into help position and having a consistent willingness and attention to detail.

A few options

Here is a group of wings who could be available for the Bucks at No. 17.

(Player, age, height, weight, previous team)

KEITA BATES-DIOP, 22, 6-foot-8, 223 lbs., Ohio State

A four-year player and the Big Ten's player of the year in 2017-'18, Bates-Diop is an established scorer, although he was only a 35.2% three-point shooter. He could be ready to contribute quickly, but he also might be closer to his ceiling than a younger prospect.

TROY BROWN, 18, 6-foot-7, 208 lbs., Oregon

A one-and-done college player, Brown has the size and upside that could lead to success in the NBA. His offense has room to grow, especially his three-point shooting, but he is a willing, adaptable defender who could develop well in the right situation.

KEVIN HUERTER, 19, 6-foot-7, 190 lbs., Maryland

 Any team that drafts Huerter will be doing so in most part because of his long-range shooting. Huerter shot 41.9% from deep last season as a sophomore then wowed at the NBA draft combine.

JEROME ROBINSON, 21, 6-foot-5, 188 lbs., Boston College

Robinson ran the point often and had the ball in his hands a lot in college, giving him an array of shot and play creation abilities that can help him at the next level where he'll be able to play either on or off the ball. He was a 40.9% three-point shooter last season. At 6-foot-5, he has the size to defend multiple positions, but he'll have to develop as an off-ball defender.

ZHAIRE SMITH, 18, 6-foot-4, 198 lbs., Texas Tech

Among the players listed here, Smith is considered the most likely to be off the board by the time the Bucks make their pick. He's freak athlete who has scoring potential both inside and out. He was reticent to shoot threes in college but shot 45.0% on 40 attempts. Smith has the right combination of speed and strength to defend positions 1-3.