Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Loss To Dallas Mavericks
By Adam McGee
If The Mitten Fits
With Malcolm Brogdon still missing due to a back injury, Gary Payton II was given his Bucks debut just hours after officially signing a contract with the team.
Having had no real time to practice, and only receiving “a limited package” from the coaching staff prior to the game, there could have been very little expectations for the 24-year-old on Sunday.
Bucks sign Gary Payton II today to fill last roster spot. Coach Kidd said the coaches gave him a limited package and he could play vs. Mavs.
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) April 2, 2017
That made it all the more impressive when the former Oregon State Beaver saw nine minutes of action, and played effectively in that time.
Payton II was a willing screener, an active and aggressive defender, and showed no fear in taking the opportunities that fell his way.
That was best illustrated by a confident three-point make that was followed up shortly after by a nice baseline dunk.
Already your all-time favorite Gary Payton pic.twitter.com/LY7eotRpnO
— Behind the Buck Pass (@BehindTheBucks) April 2, 2017
There’s no question that Milwaukee will be hoping to see Malcolm Brogdon return to the court fit and healthy in the very near future, but at least the early signs show they might have an intriguing alternative in Payton II, if injuries or a lack of form plague either Brogdon or Dellavedova in the coming weeks.