After coming up short in the Goran Dragic buyout sweepstakes following the 2022 trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks pivoted elsewhere. They ended up signing Jevon Carter, who was waived by the Brooklyn Nets to make room for Dragic. Given that Carter was not a household name and that the Bucks lost out on what many would consider the best buyout target of the year, not too many fans batted an eye at the move. However, Carter has quickly changed that perception among fans as he has played some solid basketball since coming aboard.
With that said, let us look at a few reasons why Carter has fit in so well with the Bucks and why he may end up playing a key role for them down the road.
No. 1 – Jevon Carter has given the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks more depth, getting the most playing time in his NBA career to date
The biggest reason why the Bucks signed Carter in the first place was because they needed some assistance in the backcourt. George Hill, Milwaukee’s veteran backup point guard, has been out of the lineup since January 28 with neck soreness, and there is still no timetable for his return. Guard Pat Connaughton has also been sidelined for several weeks after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured right fourth metacarpal. With two contributors in the second unit out, Carter has stepped into his new role effortlessly, helping the Bucks tremendously over his first few appearances.
Over his seven games with the Bucks thus far, Carter is averaging 17 minutes per matchup, which would be a career-high for the fourth-year guard. Coach Mike Budenholzer gave Carter a clear-cut role from the moment he touched down in Milwaukee, and the 26-year-old has taken advantage of the opportunity. An extended opportunity in the rotation can oftentimes work wonders for any player, and that is precisely what has happened with Carter early on. While there are questions as to where Carter may fit as the Bucks get healthier, that is something that can be addressed down the road, as the energetic point guard has helped mightily over these past seven games.
With the Bucks, Carter has seen a more prominent role than ever before, and he is making the most of the opportunity.