It was only summer league, but Brayden Burries revealed fascinating potential as a two-way player. Already heralded for his scoring and defensive potential, Burries proved adept at not only handling the ball in a featured role, but dictating the pace of games without committing mistakes.
In the process, Burries presented a what-if scenario that could come to haunt the Bucks: What if he'd received the opportunity to realize his potential alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo?
That, obviously, will never come to pass—or at least not any time soon. Milwaukee traded Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat after what felt like a lifetime of speculation and are now looking to build their new chapter around up-and-comers like Burries.
Even Burries' most committed advocates were likely impressed with his play at summer league, however, as he not only scored, but showcased maturity as a player on both ends of the floor.
As such, one can't help but wonder how different the Bucks would've looked with Burries entering the rotation. The Philadelphia 76ers are a shining example of how an electrifying rookie can breathe new life into a stagnant rotation, as V.J. Edgecombe did exactly that in 2025-26.
Unfortunately, Bucks fans will be left to wonder what could've been had Burries been positioned to take on a similar role and level of responsibility alongside Antetokounmpo.
What if GIannis Antetokounmpo played with Brayden Burries?
Milwaukee wasn't one player away from making the late stages of the Antetokounmpo era work, but they certainly needed developable talent who could help create a lasting championship window. It's too soon to know if Burries could've made that type of impact, let alone how long it would've taken to get there.
If Burries' early success is a sign of things to come, however, then he could've at least strengthened the foundation for a new Bucks core and given Antetokounmpo a reason to believe in the team's future.
A season ago, Milwaukee was effectively depending on journeymen being able to create the stability their careers have truthfully lacked. It was an unsustainable formula from the start, let alone after the team consumed mountains of cap space by using the stretch provision to part with Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner.
One of the most glaring weaknesses in Milwaukee's rotation was the lack of guards they could believably develop for high-volume roles as two-way players.
Burries is the antithesis of stagnation, however, as an incoming rookie who looks the part of a true two-way threat with endless upside. He's already looking more comfortable on the ball than most anticipated, all the while possessing an impressive outside shot and NBA-caliber athleticism.
It's too soon to know what Burries will become, but one can't help but wonder what he and Antetokounmpo could've accomplished if he lives up to his potential.
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