With all of the moves the Milwaukee Bucks have made this summer, the team trading for Caris LeVert has been one of their most overlooked transactions. While LeVert won't be a difference-maker on the floor, his leadership has been an early takeaway from camp, with the veteran—one of three players on the team over 30—having made his presence felt in that regard.
LeVert making a difference for young Bucks
The young players need a guiding voice, and while Myles Turner has taken the mantle in that regard from day one, LeVert isn't too far behind.
Kam Jones, a two-way guard looking to find his footing with the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighted how LeVert, in addition to the other veterans, has been a big help early on.
"MT has been great. Vert has been great. All our older guys, Kuz, they've been great. They've been accepting, especially to me and making me feel welcome."
LeVert hasn't been working only behind the scenes, either. Speaking to the media recently, LeVert went into detail about what he's seen from Milwaukee rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament as they begin their NBA journeys. The veteran couldn't contain his praise, giving both the ultimate vote of confidence to the media, which should only make them feel more comfortable.
"Both of them have done a great job. They both played at a high level last season. Obviously, Brayden, his team was very good, so I think he is very ready to come contribute right away. I think Nate has surprised a lot of people as well. I think he's making huge strides with his body. I see both of them in here each and every night working on their game. That's definetly something you want to see with young guys."
LeVert's praise for Burries, deserves attention. Saying that a rookie guard is ready for an opportunity when that could very well involve snatching playing time from him is true leadership. As for Ament, he has been viewed as a project player from the jump, but LeVert highlighting his growth before the new season even starts is a great gesture and can help ease any concerns.
LeVert trade just keeps getting better
This trade was already a victory for the Milwaukee Bucks when it went down. They added LeVert and a pair of second-rounders for two veterans in Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. Even if the Bucks had cut LeVert then and there, it still would have been a major win. Everything beyond the deal happening has been an added bonus, and these early returns are beyond welcome.
Although LeVert could end up being a casualty of Milwaukee's ongoing roster jam, it wouldn't hurt to keep him around if possible. If he were to stick, LeVert could continue to be a great mentor for all of the young players while also serving as needed depth. Even coming off a down year, LeVert could be useful if the team is ever down a body or two.
For now, he must continue to push the young players and be someone they can lean on as they look to find their stride in Milwaukee.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google