Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Trading for Toronto Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez may not have been a popular decision among Milwaukee Bucks fans, but selecting UNLV Rebels shooting guard Rashad Vaughn with the 17th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft should make fans optimistic about the future of the team.
Think of Vaughn as Giannis Antetokounmpo two years ago when he was drafted. He is 18 years old, going to take at least one year to develop, and many so-called experts are not too thrilled with Milwaukee’s decision to draft a developmental player. But, also like Antetokounmpo, Vaughn has the potential to be the steal of the draft if he pans out. And, when it boils down to it that is all that matters, especially when considering the Bucks are in a position to allow Vaughn to develop. That is a position they were not in two seasons ago.
Vaughn is an offensive machine who has a beautiful jump shot. He may take too many shot attempts and there is much to be desired in regard to his passing game, but Milwaukee is more interested in him being a sharpshooter. Last season, he was second in the nation in scoring. Clearly, it is still unknown if that type of play will transition to the NBA, but many believe that it is possible.
Defense may also be an issue, which is nothing new among the Bucks’ guards. Vasquez is not much of a defender, either. This can only mean Milwaukee is determined to build an explosive offensive arsenal. That makes since with Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jabari Parker’s superb ability to score.
Even though some are not thrilled with what the Bucks accomplished on draft night, the addition of Vasquez should bring an additional offensive threat to the team next season. Meanwhile, the selection of Vaughn in the first round will be a solid replacement for shooting guard O.J. Mayo once his contract is up after the 2015-16 season.
