Milwaukee Bucks Summer League Grades: 81-75 Win Over Cleveland Cavaliers
By Adam McGee
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
Malcolm Brogdon, B+
9 Points | 4-11 FG | 0-2 FT | 11 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
It was telling that within a few minutes of stepping on the court for a first time as a Buck, Brogdon was already patting teammates on the back and applauding forced turnovers as vociferously as anybody else. The leadership that the Bucks hoped he’d bring is very much there, and it comes with a strong, well-rounded game. He showed good shooting touch and seems unlikely to have any problems with the NBA three-pointer. Rebounded dominantly, only missing out on a double-double thanks to two late missed free throws, and carried the ball up court with confidence. As expected, Milwaukee has a good one in the former Virginia Cavalier.
Rashad Vaughn, D+
9 Points| 4-16 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
The hope for Vaughn in Summer League was that he would look like a tried and tested pro, and be ready to put a disappointing rookie season behind him. He certainly didn’t show progress in the first game though. Potentially struggling with injury buys him some leeway, but the Bucks really need Vaughn to prove that he can shoot the ball better than 4-16, and they need to see improvements in his general awareness against this lower caliber of competition. Arguably the worst Milwaukee player on the night, let’s hope Vaughn feels healthier and bounces back on Sunday.
Terran Petteway, B+
16 Points | 6-10 FG | 1-2 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
One of the players who many had tipped of having a real chance at earning himself an NBA roster spot if he performed to his best at Summer League, Petteway delivered in bunches. His shooting was smooth, his effort was always there, and more than anything else he provided a consistent and composed presence for this young team to rely on. With the Bucks severely lacking in small forward depth, Petteway could reap the rewards if he continues to play at this high level.
Thon Maker, A
15 Points | 5-14 FG | 5-7 FT | 13 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK
What more could we have asked for from the widely untried and untested 10th overall pick than to provide regular positive effort and energy? He brought the work ethic that he’s become so quickly associated with, but he surpassed all reasonable expectations beyond that too. His physical tools are as advertized. He’s LONG, but he moves like somebody half his size. His work on the defensive end was full of promise, his shot wasn’t always there but his form looked steady, and when the game was on the line he came to the fore. Considering all of the chatter of recent weeks, I’m not sure there could have been a more pleasant Friday surprise for Bucks fans than this performance.
Joshua Smith, C
5 Points| 1-2 FG | 3-4 FT | 6 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Having made headlines earlier in the day for his incredible weight loss (50 pounds in two months), Smith gave a solid account of himself in the team’s Summer League opener. His size is a weapon, but his soft hands are responsible for creating just as many opportunities around the basket. Smith rebounded well and was a generally solid presence in his 18 minutes of action, the only real negative that can be taken away is some careless play that led to four turnovers.
Next: Grades: Bench