Rookie guard Brayden Burries closed out the Las Vegas Summer League with a standout performance Saturday, scoring 27 points— including an off-balance, left-handed game-winner— to lift the Milwaukee Bucks past Philadelphia in 28 minutes of action.
The No. 10 overall pick averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block in four games, shooting 50.0% from the field, 36.4% from three and 66.7% at the foul line. He logged only three turnovers while navigating the event’s 10-foul disqualification rule that often unsettles young guards.
Bucks See Two-Way Potential
“You can see it,” assistant coach Patrick St. Andrews said after Burries’ 26-point outing against San Antonio. “He shot it really well, but the defense as well. The cool part is he wants to get better … you can feel his maturity for his age.”
Burries, one of several new faces after the club traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami, said he is “very thankful” Milwaukee chose him and believes he can help an underrated roster “shock a lot of people” as a rookie. Asked about the five guards selected ahead of him—Darryn Peterson, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr. and Kingston Flemings— the 6’4” guard replied, “Comparison is the thief of joy … but when we play each other, it’s definitely competition.”
Ament Settles In
Forward Nate Ament, drafted 13th, reached double figures in each of his final two outings after a slow start. The former Tennessee standout acknowledged the expectations that follow Antetokounmpo’s departure. “With great honor comes great responsibility,” Ament said. “I’m gonna work my butt off to try to bring as many championships as we can.”
Markovic Signs Four-Year Deal
Second-round pick Bogoljub Markovic officially joined Milwaukee on a four-year standard contract July 1. The Serbian forward flashed potential in Las Vegas but will focus on adding strength and improving his perimeter shooting.
The Bucks resume offseason preparations with training camp slated for late September.
Source: Hoops Rumors
