NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 3.0

The Milwaukee Bucks decide to double down on athleticism and defense with this selection. Mattise Thybulle is not one to disappoint defensively. Some have labeled him as one of the best defensive draft prospects in years, which speaks volumes when Mitchell Robinson, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jevon Carter all came out just last year.

Matisse is a project offensively, so you are not expecting him to address the much-needed spacing issue Milwaukee had in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Thybulle is there to make Kawhi Leonard’s life harder if nothing else. Also, the Bucks have Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon entering free agency, both commanding near-maximum contracts with the intention to also re-sign Brook Lopez and retain Nikola Mirotic.

The Bucks need insurance on the wing and Thybulle — at worst — gives you more depth. He definitely needs to work on his shooting all over the court, and he cannot create for himself or others very well, but he has the length to be effective as a spot-up shooter and rim-runner. His extremely detailed and versatile defense will create minutes and opportunities if given the chance.

Milwaukee uses this pick to assure they have a wing with a possibility of losing Brogdon, Middleton, and hoping to shed themselves of Tony Snell’s contract to avoid the luxury tax. Only time will tell if Thybulle is closer to Tony Allen or David Nwaba.