As all rookies do, Brayden Burries and Nate Ament must earn their keep with the Milwaukee Bucks. Loaded with a plethora of young talent, these two must fight tooth and nail to get into the rotation. When speaking to reporters, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins alluded to this after Thursday's practice, specifically talking about their importance on the defensive end. Perhaps that is their way in.
"They know they're going to be held very high to a standard on the defensive side, but they've got a ways to go for sure."
Defense is crucial for Burries, Ament
From the jump, Jenkins has made it clear that he wants this to be a defense-first group. Anyone who is on the floor has to give effort on that end. The two rookies are no exception, and the good news is that both are well-equipped to make an impact on that end, which could absolutely accelerate their contributing timelines in a hurry.
Burries needs little to no introduction on that end. His stout defense in college, largely displayed by his ability to fight through screens and battle with bigger bodies due to his frame, was among many reasons he was the obvious draft choice for Milwaukee. He still has room to grow, but Burries could match up with NBA-level defenders in no time if his tendencies translate.
Ament, on the other hand, is more of a mystery. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a wingspan greater than seven feet, he's a tall, lengthy forward, giving him the tools to be a matchup nightmare. However, he's much rawer than Burries and doesn't have the same quickness or bulk. It feels like he'll have to put on more size before he's ready to duel with NBA-level forwards. Yet, the potential is undeniable.
Camp and preseason will be crucial for both
The next few weeks will be a golden opportunity for both to show their worth. Training camp is well underway, giving both Burries and Ament opportunities to showcase what they can do against NBA competition. Defensively, Burries should welcome the challenge against any guard in the backcourt, while the same goes for Ament in the frontcourt. If they get the best of any of them, heads will turn.
Then, next week, it's already preseason. Camp can be a great warm-up, but it won't matter much if the pair struggle against the opposition. On the other hand, if they do shine, it could bode well for either of them working their way into the rotation sooner rather than later. Above all else, it will be great for them to get their feet wet, but it would be even better if they impress in their first NBA action.
Both will likely start the year playing smaller roles, but if they make strides, that could change in a hurry.
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