OK, so it’s been a couple days now since Jodie Meeks was selected 41st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. I think I speak for many fellow UK fans when I say that a major component of my interest in the NBA is following UK players at the next level.

In the past couple years, it hasn’t been too difficult to find former ‘Cats in NBA box scores, as guys like Tayshaun Prince, Rajon Rondo, Kelenna Azubuike, and Keith Bogans have become regular contributors in the Association. A common thread among this group is that none were all that highly regarded coming into the league.

Prince and Rondo both received guaranteed contracts after being selected in the first round, but Azubuike and Bogans had to really work to earn their keep. Jodie Meeks, as a second round choice, will have to do the same.

However, Jodie was lucky enough to be drafted into a situation where he will really get that opportunity quickly. The Bucks are not a very deep team and not very talented, particularly on the perimeter, so it seems that Jodie has a good shot a making the roster and playing if he does what he needs to. That’s great for Jodie and good news for UK fans looking forward to following him.

Let’s take a look at the Bucks roster to see how Jodie fits in.  Players in bold will compete with Jodie at his position.  Players with * are projected starters.  Players with # are projected to make the roster.  Keep in mind that NBA teams are allowed 12 active players.

Joe Alexander SF #
Malik Allen PF
Charlie Bell SG #
Keith Bogans SG/SF
Andrew Bogut C *
Bruce Bowen SF #
Francisco Elson PF/C
Dan Gadzuric PF/C
Brandon Jennings PG #
Amir Johnson PF *
Damon Jones PG/SG
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute SF/PF #
Jodie Meeks SG
Michael Redd SG *
Luke Ridnour PG *
Ramon Sessions PG/SG (restricted FA) #
Salim Stoudamire SG
Kurt Thomas PF/C #
Charlie Villanueva SF/PF *

By drafting Brandon Jennings, the Bucks pretty much confirmed to everyone what we pretty much already knew: they don’t see Ramon Sessions as the future at point guard, even though all he does is put up numbers. The starters at shooting guard (Michael Redd), small forward (Charlie Villanueva), and center (Andrew Bogut) are pretty much set, save for injuries.

As you can see, there is a bit of crowd that Jodie Meeks will have to beat out to get himself on the roster.  As I said, Redd will be the starter.  He’s a big time scorer when healthy and will be a good guy for Jodie to learn from.  The other guards on the roster (Bell, Bogans, Jones, Stoudamire) bring different things to the table, but all three can shoot the ball.  Jones and Stoudamire, in particular, are three point specialists who play some point guard but really don’t have the skillset to do so on a regular basis.  Bogans is a solid shooter with good size for a 2 guard, but Jodie selection may spell the end of his time in Milwaukee.

The guy Jodie is really going to have to work to beat to make the roster and get regular minutes is Charlie Bell. Bell is a 6 year NBA vet out of Michigan State who has spent 4 years in Milwaukee. He’s a bit of a streak shooter and has never shot above 44% from the field for his career. If Jodie can show the kind of efficiency shooting the ball that we enjoyed all year, he’s got a real shot to swipe Bell’s spot. Here’s what the Bucks brass had to say about Meeks:

“He was a guy we had on our board for the last few days, and up until even last night, and we said, ‘No way this kid makes it to the second round,’” said Bucks general manager John Hammond. “I’m sure a lot of people are saying that about their second-round picks.

“We just felt he’s one of the top-notch shooters in this draft. Our guys who were out scouting all year said he may be one of the better defenders, too. He has great strength and is a great athlete, but one thing he can do is shoot the ball the way he can.”

Bucks coach Scott Skiles said Meeks could provide some offensive firepower.

“He arguably was the best shooter in college basketball last year,” Skiles said. “He’s a guy who has some toughness, a nice strong body and a really good defender.

Bell just completed the second year of a 5 year deal in Milwaukee but has had 2 subpar seasons after a career year to land him that big contract. Meeks’ selection should be a warning sign for Bell that they are looking for him to return to form. This is a battle to watch as we approach next season, and it could go a long way in determining Jodie’s future in the NBA.