When this year's NBA Draft came around, many Bucks fans (admittedly, including this writer) were quick to advocate for the selection of 23-year-old Yaxel Lendeborg, who was projected to be the safest and most NBA-ready player in the draft. He made sense on a basketball level given his physical tools and skill level. Of course, the Bucks eventually settled on 19-year-old Brayden Burries out of Arizona. And so far in this Summer League, he's already quieted his doubters just three games in.
Brayden Burries already quieting foolish Yaxel Lendeborg controversy surrounding Bucks
Through three Las Vegas Summer League games for the Milwaukee Bucks, the No. 10 overall pick has averaged 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.3 steals, and a block while shooting 48.7 percent from the field. He's dropped at least 18 points in each of his three showings thus far. So if it wasn't already clear from the tape alone: the Bucks just got themselves an absolute stud.
The eye test is even more convincing than the raw counting stats, with some even comparing him to the likes of Devin Booker. That's because Burries is so far displaying an advanced level of craft and polish in his shot creation, processing, and finishing that you rarely see from a teenager.
It's obviously been just three games, but Burries is blowing all expectations and comparisons out of the water. On offense, his shot-creation, finishing, and craftiness are all on full display. While his hard carrying of this Summer League squad still hasn't translated to wins, it's hard to argue his minutes haven't been productive. Now the Bucks just need him to show that he can be impactful, too.
Brayden Burries is out here dropping 20 a night in Las Vegas at 19 years old, and he's doing it with the kind of ease that makes you forget, even just briefly, that the Bucks are supposed to be in a dark place right now with their rebuild officially underway.
The Bucks might already have their guard of the future in Brayden Burries
Now to be clear, this writer isn't comparing the two. Lendeborg is actually having himself a remarkable Summer League campaign for the Warriors, too. In much the same way, the Warriors got themselves a good one. But this is only to say that the Bucks bet on youth, and they're being handsomely rewarded for it.
Lendeborg had the much higher floor, but Burries clearly had the higher ceiling. And if these three games are any indication, he isn't satisfied with that. Because he's still pushing that ceiling upwards. Only time will tell how good this kid ultimately becomes, but the panic surrounding draft night feels like a lifetime ago.
With or without Giannis Antetokounmpo, one thing is becoming crystal clear: the Bucks have found their building block. Hopefully their other first-round selection can do the same in the coming games.
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