How Jevon Carter has turned into a fan favorite for the Milwaukee Bucks

Without question, one of the biggest surprises for the Milwaukee Bucks this season has been the strong play from newcomer Jevon Carter.

When the defending champs signed the guard after his buyout with the Brooklyn Nets last month, the initial reaction from most Bucks fans was not enthusiastic, as it had been a rough season for Carter to that point. However, one person who was beyond excited to welcome in Carter was our own Jake Maier, who wrote a few reasons why the Bucks’ fandom should have loved the signing shortly after it was announced. Following Carter’s first nine appearances with the team, it seems safe to say that Maier was onto something.

Looking at how Jevon Carter’s play has turned him into a fan favorite for the Milwaukee Bucks

From the moment Carter first stepped on the floor against Brooklyn in Milwaukee’s first game back from the All-Star break, it was abundantly clear that there was something special about him. He made an immediate impact on the defensive end by picking up the opposing ball-handlers the full length of the floor and even forced an eight-second violation due to his persistence. Carter played only nine minutes, but his presence was undoubtedly felt in that opening contest, and everyone wanted to know how the guard would be utilized moving forward.

Since then, Carter has carved out a legitimate role with the Bucks. With George Hill sidelined for an extended period due to neck soreness, Carter immediately took on the backup point guard duties and has proven to be a seamless fit. His intensity on defense has drawn comparisons to another former Bucks fan favorite in P.J. Tucker, as Carter gives it his all on that side of the ball every single play. Having another strong guard defender like Carter has been a luxury for the Bucks thus far, as having him gives head coach Mike Budenholzer a player to use in the minutes where Jrue Holiday is catching his breath. He has never shied away from guarding the opposing team’s top backcourt players, oftentimes picking them up the full length of the court.

While Carter has always had a reputation defensively dating back to his college days, he has never been known for his offense. However, since coming to Milwaukee, his game on that end has taken off to new heights. In these nine games, Carter is averaging a career-high 5.6 points while handing out 1.8 assists per game, which ties his career-high. His scoring has been a welcoming surprise, as he has given the team a much-needed spark off the bench, mainly due to his shooting from three. Carter has shot a scorching hot 14-of-24 (58.3 percent) from 3-point range with the Bucks to this point, having turned himself into a reliable perimeter threat for a team that relies heavily on their outside shooting.

Whether it be his defensive intensity, his sweet shooting on offense, or just the energy he brings to the floor whenever he checks in, Carter’s contributors have been felt early on. He has won the fanbase over, and it looks like the 26-year-old will be a key contributor down the stretch and into the playoffs this season. Fans have latched onto the mid-season pick-up, and hopefully this is just the start of something special for him in Milwaukee. As it stands, the Bucks may have found yet another hidden gem.

Stay tuned to find out how Jevon Carter’s story continues unfolding with the Milwaukee Bucks.