Gearing up for Summer League, Milwaukee Bucks fans looked forward to seeing two-way point guard Mark Sears in action. An untimely calf strain, however, has kept him off the court through the first two games, and in his absence, fellow two-way prospect Jamaree Bouyea has commanded the spotlight.
Increased run for Bouyea could be silver lining for Bucks
The Bucks are no stranger to promoting two-way players if they stand out. AJ Green and Ryan Rollins are two names who come to mind. Sears seemed like a prime candidate and still should be if he impresses in training camp, but Bouyea has thrust his name into the conversation.
While some fans may not have initially been familiar with him, anyone who's tuned in to Summer League ball has heard of him now.
Starting at point guard in game one against Denver, he punctuated a thrilling victory with a step-back three at the buzzer. It wasn't just the shot, though, as Bouyea looked comfortable running the offense. He provided five assists on no turnovers while demonstrating a fluid handle and energy in his step.
Despite the loss, he was even better Saturday versus Cleveland. One of the few Bucks who enjoyed any rhythm, Bouyea finished with 20 points, three assists, and four steals. Once again, he committed no turnovers. Showing off his range, he is now 7-of-14 from deep in the two games.
As disappointing as it is, Sears' injury has allowed Bouyea to take center stage uncontested. If not penciled in as the starting point guard, Sears would have absorbed significant rotation minutes in an audition for one of Milwaukee's last roster spots.
Given a chance for increased playing time and attention, he's answered the bell. Just two games remain on the short Summer League schedule, but if Bouyea keeps balling out like he has, it's a good bet he sees greater opportunities in training camp and the preseason as well.
The third-year player out of San Francisco appeared in five games for the Milwaukee Bucks last year, having played just 19 in his career. The vast majority of his minutes came in the finale against Detroit, his first-ever start, when Milwaukee had locked up the five-seed in the playoff race.
Bouyea also played four games for the organization's G-League team, the Wisconsin Herd. Although he's now 26, on the older end of prospect status, the Milwaukee Bucks signed him in March to a two-way contract that runs until 2027.