Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) celebrates with forward D.J. Wilson (5) after defeating the Louisville Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports

With the 17th overall pick, it should come as no surprise that the Milwaukee Bucks took a player that is long and athletic. The Bucks are moving closer and closer to positionless basketball, and D.J. Wilson will fit in well in Milwaukee.

After barely playing in his first two seasons at Michigan, Wilson burst onto the scene for the Wolverines this past season. Wilson was able to average 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season.

Even though his season averages don’t jump off the page, Wilson played extremely well down the stretch for Michigan. When Michigan went on their great run after their plane crash in the Big 10 tournament and into the NCAA Tournament, Wilson played very well.

At 6’10”, Wilson is able to stretch the floor from the power forward position. In addition to being able to space the floor, he also showed an ability to drive to the basket despite his size. It is very rare to see a player of Wilson’s height with the ability to do that, and that is likely what the Bucks liked about him.

It may have been a bit of a reach with the 17th overall pick, but Wilson has a lot of upside. Until then, this will go down as a mediocre pick for the Bucks.