Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Carter-Williams Is Ready For A Bench Role

After sounding a bit upset about the prospect of not being the Milwaukee Bucks starting point guard in the past, Michael Carter-Williams is now ready to accept a different role.

Most people around the Milwaukee Bucks were thrilled that Giannis Antetokounmpo was enjoying such success playing the point forward position for the Bucks. Michael Carter-Williams is not most people.

MCW sounded noticeably less than thrilled about the situation during exit interviews, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Matt Velazquez:

"“I think this Giannis playing point guard next year got a little out of hand,” Carter-Williams said during exit interviews Thursday. “I think he is definitely going to control the ball a lot more, but he’s not going to guard a point guard. I’ll be guarding the point guard.”"

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To be fair, MCW has always been supportive of Giannis and the rest of his teammates, even when going through tough times himself. While Carter-Williams is right about Giannis not guarding point guards, he might be wrong about he being the one asked to do that in the starting lineup.

Matthew Dellavedova was signed to a four-year, $38 million contract this past summer. Although no starter has yet been named, due to Dellavedova’s experience accommodating the NBA’s best point forward over in Cleveland it’s likely he’ll get the nod.

Carter-Williams sounded somewhat open to that prospect when asked about Dellavedova’s role with the team by Charles Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel during Summer League:

"“I’m not sure what’s going to happen or what’s going on, but I think we’re all in it for the right reasons and we’re all in it together,” Carter-Williams said. “I think we both (he and Dellavedova) take some pride in defense and we’ll both give some point guards some problems.”"

In his most recent interview, this time with Rick Olivares of The Philippine Star, Carter-Williams sounded more open to the prospect of starting an NBA season as a bench player for the first time in his career.

"“When I was in college, I was upset that I was sitting. Now I understand that you do what you have to for the team. If it means me starting or coming off the bench, it’s fine. The coach knows what’s best. I just have to get ready.”“What this has all taught me so far — college and pro basketball? I have to constantly remind myself of that everyday, it’s all about working hard every single day of your life and not taking anything for granted. And handling adversity.”"

That quote must be music to head coach Jason Kidd‘s ears. Carter-Williams is still an effective NBA player, one who’s versatility makes him valuable. MCW could end up being a very good sixth man for the Bucks next season, if he truly embraces the role.

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Although Carter-Williams’ name was floated in trade rumors last season, keeping him was always the better option for the Bucks. His lack of shooting ability from beyond the arc seriously hampers his value to other teams, meaning Milwaukee would likely lose value on any potential trade.

With MCW willing to accept a bench role for the Milwaukee Bucks next season, there’s no more reason to trade him. Carter-Williams could lead a strong bench including Mirza Teletovic and one of John Henson or Miles Plumlee, which is already better than the second units the Bucks trotted out last year.

Next: Giannis Antetokounmpo And The Challenges Of Being Unique

Having good players obviously matters, but a strong locker room is just as important to a team having a successful season. With Michael Carter-Williams seemingly accepting his new role with the Milwaukee Bucks, one more stumbling block to success has been removed in Milwaukee.

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