Brayden Burries didn't need more motivation entering his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but a little extra push never hurt. Seeing Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson secure a lucrative five-year extension worth $205 million immediately following his rookie deal should be more than enough of a motivator for the guard to put his best foot forward.
Thompson is the blueprint for Burries, young players
Throughout his first three years in the NBA, Thompson has taken large strides every single season to the point where he is a legitimate two-way threat now. He has already made an All-Defensive team to boost his reputation on that side of things, and after averaging 18.3 points per game this past year, he's clearly emerging on that end as well. Now, if he improves his jumper, watch out.
Houston clearly believes in their youngster and wants to make him a staple of their franchise for the next several years. Seeing a young player get $205 million fresh off their rookie deal is rare, but this should be a sign to all youngsters that if they show off their potential well enough early on, there may be a lucrative payday awaiting them.
Burries should note this heading into year one with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Burries has similar tools that could help him
While Burries isn't the athletic freak that Thompson is and doesn't have the same length, he should be a strong two-way contributor with the Milwaukee Bucks immediately. In Summer League, Burries was fantastic on both ends, averaging 23.5 points, 4.3 assists, two steals, and a block per game, showing his strengths on both ends. If that savvy play translates, Burries will set himself up nicely immediately.
In the eyes of many, the Milwaukee Bucks securing Burries 10th overall was the biggest steal of the NBA Draft. The guard has "star" written all over him, and that was before he played like a man among boys in Summer League. He looks like someone who will help guide the Bucks through their next era of basketball after trading away icon Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If the guard lives up to the hype, it wouldn't be shocking if he surpasses what Thompson got with his own high-end deal. We're still years away from that conversation, but just the thought of it should be the type of boost Burries needs to be the best version of himself.
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