For the first time in his NBA career, Jamaree Bouyea has received a legitimate opportunity, and he's capitalizing at every turn. Recently signing with the Phoenix Suns via a two-way deal, the guard has become a key piece in their rotation and isn't looking back. That's just not something he had with the Milwaukee Bucks or at any of his other prior stops.
Former Milwaukee Bucks guard capitalizing in new environment
In 13 games with the Suns, Bouyea is averaging 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 60.6 percent from the floor, including 46.2 percent from deep. He's been a spark off the bench whenever called upon, giving the Suns some needed life in the backcourt. It looks like he has found himself a home after bouncing around the NBA in recent years.
A driving factor in Bouyea's success has been his fearlessness, particularly when attacking the hoop. With the Suns, Bouyea is shooting 15-of-16 in the restricted area, finding success despite standing at just 6-foot-2, 180 lbs. Among players to attempt at least 15 such shots this season, Bouyea boasts the best percentage league-wide at 93.8 percent. It's a small sample size, but he's capitalizing.
This type of opportunity was never there in Milwaukee. Bouyea played just five games with the team last season for an average of 12.4 minutes per contest, largely checking in during mop-up duty. The guard showed glimpses of potential at times, but in a loaded point guard room, filled with names like Damian Lillard, Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr., it was hard for him to get any legitimate minutes.
Bouyea caught plenty of eyes during his Summer League showing with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he flexed his potential, primarily with a tough game-winner. His place on the roster felt set in stone, but he was let go in favor of Alex Antetokounmpo just before the season started. Phoenix clearly saw the potential and scooped Bouyea up off the market. Now, they're unearthing it.
Good on Bouyea for keeping his head down and working. Prior to landing with the Suns, he made five different stops across the NBA, trying to carve out a role as a legitimate contributor. It took time, but it has finally come to fruition in Phoenix. If he keeps playing like this, the former Bucks guard will land a standard contract in no time.
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