Damian Lillard praised new Bucks teammate Marjon Beauchamp: ‘That’s my kind of young player’

Marjon Beaucamp is potentially the secret to success for the Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the favorites to win the 2024 NBA Championship but they will need all the help they can get.

Although some oddsmakers believe that Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are potentially the best 1-2 punch in the league, Milwaukee will have its best chance of winning a title if their depth plays well down the stretch.

One of the players who could potentially help make a difference is Marjon Beauchamp. The former first-round pick for the Bucks from the G Leauge Ignite has already made a strong impression on Lillard.

The seven-time All-Star shared his thoughts about his new teammate:

“He’s a big guard … Tall, long, athletic, he can score the ball, he’s competitive. It just kind of jumped out to me. When I watch young players, I always try to put myself in the space of a scout and he’s a player that, if I was scouting a player, I would draft him. I would pick him just off of what I’ve seen the past couple days. His energy, off the court versus on the court, that’s my kind of young player.”

Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton also spoke glowingly about Beauchamp:

“He knows he has a great opportunity in front of him and it’s not going to be given to him. He’s going to have to work for it and he’s showing that. He’s proving that with the work that he put in over the summertime and the confidence that he’s gotten over the two years in this league … We expect big things from him. We’re going to need him … He’s a guy that not a lot of people know but they should know him because he’s all the potential and all the talent in the world.”

Based on his recent usage, we can potentially predict a potentially increased role on the court for Milwaukee next season.

When including passes, per Synergy, Beauchamp finished 27.5 percent of his possessions as the ball handler in pick-and-roll sets or in isolation last season. That rate went up to 46.1 percent during the NBA 2K24 Summer League.

Per our research, that percentage increase ranked as the fourth-most among all players (minimum: 200 possessions finished last season) who participated during summer league action.

As the 22-year-old wing continues to develop, perhaps it’s worth it for the Bucks to consider using Beauchamp in the starting lineup when the season begins.

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Bucks’ MarJon Beauchamp on Giannis Antetokounmpo: ‘He is a great role model’

Beauchamp has had a limited role with the Bucks this season but the 24th pick has impressed those around him along the way.

MarJon Beauchamp has had a bit of an up-and-down season with the Milwaukee Bucks, but the 24th pick has impressed plenty of individuals along the way.

Beauchamp didn’t play immediately to start the season. But once some players went down with injuries, the team leaned on him heavily over a stretch in November. He averaged eight points and 4.8 rebounds over a nine-game span and even started six times. He scored in double figures three times in that stretch, including a career-high 20 points on Nov. 14.

The performances by Beauchamp earned high praise from his teammates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time Most Valuable Player was seemingly most impressed with the way Beauchamp came into the season ready to work.

“I think he has a skill set that is unique,” Antetokounmpo said on Nov. 15. “He plays with a lot of energy. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and he is a guy that leads by example. He is not a big talker. He is going to go out there, play the right way and try to get the job done. It kind of reminds me a lot of how it used to be when I was younger.”

Following that run by Beauchamp, minutes dried up and he nearly spent a month out of the rotation. He eventually played in 17 straight games from Dec. 13-Jan. 14, averaging 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds. Since then, though, Beauchamp has made nine appearances.

With playing time limited, the Bucks sent Beauchamp to the G League.

He has made four appearances with the Wisconsin Herd, including two games this week. In a unique scheduling quirk, Beauchamp played with the Herd on Tuesday morning against the Lakeland Magic in Orlando, just hours before the Magic hosted the Bucks at Amway Center.

Beauchamp produced a season-high 24 points and eight rebounds on Tuesday in a loss to the Lakeland Magic. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and finished 10-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range.

“We’re very excited about how he has grown and developed,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said of Beauchamp. “He has had some moments where he has gotten some significant minutes with our team and then we’ve been healthier and he hasn’t got to play as much, and has played in the G League.

“Getting those opportunities and showing an ability to play and compete on an NBA level was huge. I’m sure, for him, it’s not easy to not continue to get to play and be on the court but he is working before and after practice in the weight room. We feel like he has a bright future and we are really happy with how he is growing.”

Rookie Wire caught up with Beauchamp after his performance in Orlando and discussed his minutes in the G League, playing with Antetokounmpo, his rookie season and more.

Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray among rookies to sign with Adidas

Jabari Smith Jr. and Keegan Murray were among 14 rookies to sign endorsement contracts with Adidas.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray were among 12 rookies who had signed endorsement contracts with Adidas, the apparel company announced on Thursday.

This is the largest draft class ever for Adidas and features 11 first-round picks and six lottery selections. The players have worn the Three Stripes for the majority of the season as endorsing athletes.

Related: Holmgren, Ivey among 14 rookies to sign with Nike

They join a talented roster of players signed to Adidias that includes James Harden, Candace Parker, Damian Lillard, Chiney Ogwumike, Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell.

Here are the 12 rookies that signed with Adidas this season.

Rookie Power Rankings: Paolo Banchero, Bennedict Mathurin pace the class

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2022-23 season.

Through the first four weeks of the NBA season, the rookie class has put forth some tremendous performances. Several players stand out above the rest in the early going.

Of course, No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero came out of the gate on fire and leads the class in scoring. Bennedict Mathurin is a few points behind him in the scoring column, while Jaden Ivey continues to look electric so far.

In our second installment, some players cracked the rankings for the first time after a hot two-week stretch since our inaugural list came out. These newcomers have seemingly taken advantage of their opportunities and are making the most of them.

To make sense of it all, we took a look at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the latest edition of the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the best players week to week.

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals advice given to MarJon Beauchamp

Following a string of strong performances, Antetokounmpo offered Beauchamp some advice and tips as a rookie.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp has performed at a high level in spurts when called upon this season, and he has impressed his coaching staff and teammates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The latest performance by Beauchamp came on Monday.

Beauchamp, who has started in three straight games, produced a career-high 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block in a 121-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He shot 7-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes.

The 24th pick is taking advantage of a newfound opportunity with the Bucks. The team has turned to him and the 22-year-old has responded by setting new career highs three different times since Nov. 4.

Antetokounmpo remembers what that feeling is like.

I know how it feels to be in his position as a rookie and have that good stretch. The important thing is you have to stay humble. Humility is the biggest key for him to improve. I really believe in him. I believe in what he is about today, and I believe in what he is going to be about 5-10 years from now.

I think he has a skill set that is unique. He plays with a lot of energy. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and he is a guy that leads by example. He is not a big talker. He is going to go out there, play the right way and try to get the job done. It kind of reminds me a lot of how it used to be when I was younger.

Antetokounmpo, more than anyone, knows how important it is to stick to the grind and continue to work on and off the court. He entered the league during the 2013-14 season as a mostly unknown player whose game was vastly different than it is today.

Of course, he established himself as a two-time MVP, six-time All-Star and champion over his 10 seasons with the Bucks. He was named to the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team and is regarded as one of the best to ever play.

He remembers that it was the work and commitment that got him there.

When I was younger, I remember when I had some good stretches and I heard (the media) talk or my teammates talk about me, I felt good about myself, and then I played terrible. I really believe, I think the team believes — not just me, who cares about me? — MarJon believes in himself. … I’m very happy for him, but you gotta keep on going and do it over and over again.

Beauchamp entered the season with an uncertain role as a first-year player on a veteran-heavy team. However, the team values the versatility Beauchamp can play with and his understanding of the game, which has been on display early.

He is playing within himself during his time on the court and letting things come to him at the moment. The team is not necessarily calling plays for him and is just relying on him to make the right play and not force things when his time comes.

Those around him have even convinced him to assert himself more and be aggressive at times. He can score in a variety of ways and can do just about anything that the team asks of him. It is something he even has to remind himself of at times.

I just keep telling myself to believe in your game. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I know how to play this game. I know I’m a good player. I just have to tell myself that and remind myself. I was working with my mental coach and he was just telling me you can’t rely on your coaches or your teammates, it has to be you. I’ve just been telling myself that and letting it come to me.

Beauchamp appears to be putting everything together lately. He is averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, one assist and one steal on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range over his last three games as the team has kept him in the starting lineup.

The season will have plenty of ups and downs for Beauchamp. He has had quite a journey to this point, so he is more than capable of handling any adversity that comes his way.

Antetokounmpo will be among those there to support him.

“I hope he can stay humble,” Antetokounmpo said. “Iā€™m going to try also my best not to talk about him in the media all the time because I know heā€™s gonna be on Twitter so he is going to go through his feed and see this. MarJon: Stay humble, keep on hooping and playing great.”

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‘It was impressive’: Bucks’ MarJon Beauchamp puts up career high in second start

For the second time in a week, Beauchamp notched a career high to help the Bucks beat the Thunder.

MarJon Beauchamp set a career high on Wednesday to help the Milwaukee Bucks outlast the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road in double overtime.

Beauchamp produced 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 30 minutes during the 136-132 win. He went 7-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in his second start of the season for the Bucks (10-1).

The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Jrue Holiday (ankle), clearing the way for Beauchamp to start. He scored all 19 points in the second half with 10 coming in the third quarter and nine in the fourth quarter.

The effort, head coach Mike Budenholzer said, came at a time of need.

His second half, we really needed that. We needed somebody else to step up and help us put the ball in the basket. I think all 19 of his points were in the second half. It was impressive. His catch and shoot from the corner, he is working on it.

I’ve just been impressed with the confidence and willingness to do it even if he’s had a miss. He makes good reads and good decisions. He played most of the second overtime and tracked down a big offensive rebound with 40 seconds to go so he finds a way to impact the game in a positive way and we needed that tonight.

In addition to hitting timely 3-pointers, Beauchamp also came up with several key defensive stops and gave the team tremendous energy and effort throughout the game. He finished plus-14 on the court, the best mark of any player in the game.

The performance came five days after Beauchamp produced a then-career-high 14 points and five rebounds in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Like Wednesday, the team turned to him, and he came up big with the Bucks down some players.

The two games offer a glimpse of what Beauchamp can do with further playing time and development. The early experience for him will certainly help build his confidence and earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates.

The 24th pick entered the season with an uncertain role as a first-year player on a veteran-heavy team. However, the team values the versatility Beauchamp can play with and his understanding of the game, which has been on display early.

Beauchamp will likely see sporadic minutes throughout the season but if he can continue to produce when his number is called, that could give him the opportunity to see a larger role in the future.

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‘That’s my rook!’: MarJon Beauchamp breaks out as Bucks stay undefeated

Beauchamp hadn’t played much to start the season but broke out in a big way on Friday to help the Bucks stay undefeated.

MarJon Beauchamp hadn’t played much to start the season but broke out in a big way on Friday to help the Milwaukee Bucks stay undefeated with a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Beauchamp produced a season-high 14 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench in the 115-102 win. He finished shooting 6-of-10 from the field off the bench as the Bucks improved to 8-0 for the first time in team history.

The 24th pick scored eight points in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks maintain their lead over the Timberwolves. He seemingly played with high energy and made the right play each time he had the ball.

“That’s my rook, man,” Bucks center Bobby Portis told Melanie Ricks of Bally Sports Milwaukee. “I’ve been telling him since Day 1: ‘Just stay ready. Everybody’s opportunity is going to come around. You just gotta stay sharp, trust in your game and trust your work.’ The work will always work so shout out to my guy for always staying ready and always being in the gym late at night. It showed tonight.”

Beauchamp entered play on Friday having totaled eight points across four appearances. However, he has seen a larger role this week after logging 16 minutes of work on Wednesday in a win over the Detroit Pistons, recording three points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist.

The Bucks opted to go back to Beauchamp on Friday, and the rookie put up his best outing of the young season. He has displayed great confidence on the court, despite a small role to this point, and has impressed his teammates and coaches.

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer liked his contributions.

I don’t know if it was three or four games ago that we kind of snuck him into the rotation. He is just, kind of, getting a better feel, getting more confidence and we’re getting more confident in him. He has just got a competitiveness and a pureness that I think his teammates enjoy and are excited for him. He has helped us a lot in the last three or four games.

Beauchamp entered the season with an uncertain role as a first-year player on a veteran-heavy team. However, the team values the versatility Beauchamp can play with and his understanding of the game, which has been on display early.

He will likely see sporadic minutes throughout the season but if he can give the team production as he did on Friday, that could give him the opportunity to see a larger role in the future.

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Bucks’ MarJon Beauchamp reacts to playing in CrawsOver Pro-Am

Beauchamp was among several NBA players that hit the court in the CrawsOver Pro-Am in Seattle over the weekend.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp expressed his gratitude on social media over having the opportunity to play in the CrawsOver Pro-Am this past weekend in Seattle, Washington.

Beauchamp, who was born in Yakima, Washington, was among several NBA players that hit the court in the event, which was founded by Jamal Crawford. In addition to Beauchamp, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Boston Celtics guard Jayson Tatum and Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero were on hand.

The 24th pick teamed with James, Tatum and others, and had a few highlights from the competition. Afterward, he thanked Crawford for hosting him, which was the second time he has played in the event.

The appearance by Beauchamp continued a busy summer for the 21-year-old. He has been at several events in his hometown, including a recent back-to-school giveaway. Earlier in the summer, Beauchamp bought his mother a brand new house.

With training camps opening in late September, players have stayed busy by playing in various exhibition games throughout the country with Beauchamp becoming the latest to join in on the festivities.

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Scottie Barnes, Christian Wood among NBA players supporting Jalen Greenā€™s basketball camp

Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and former Rockets teammate Christian Wood are among the NBA players showing support to Jalen Green at his annual basketball camp.

Second-year Rockets guard Jalen Green hosted his second annual youth basketball camp over the weekend in his hometown of Fresno, California, and he had help from a few NBA friends in pulling it off. Most notably, some of the biggest names arenā€™t from Houston.

Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year and a member (like Green) of the 2021-22 All-Rookie First Team, stopped by to help out with campers. So, too, did Mavericks big man Christian Wood, who was Greenā€™s teammate last season with the Rockets before the June trade that sent him from Houston to Dallas.

ā€œWe call each other brothers,ā€ Barnes said of Green, per Bri Mellon of Fresnoā€™s ABC affiliate. ā€œWeā€™re so tight, it was a no-brainer for me to come out here and show love to his city.ā€

Other NBA players in attendance over the weekend included Rockets backcourt mate Josh Christopher, Clippers guard Brandon Boston Jr., and Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp.

Scroll on for a look at highlights and interviews from the two-day camp. ā€œIt feels like a warm welcome to be home,ā€ Green said.

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Bucks’ MarJon Beauchamp surprised his mother with a new house

Beauchamp completed a long-time dream of his to buy his mother a house and it gave him one priceless moment.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp on Thursday surprised his mother, Denise, with a new house to complete a long-time goal of his prior to entering the NBA.

Beauchamp, the 24th pick in the NBA draft, tweeted on April 7 that he would buy his mother a new house and reward her for all of her hard work and sacrifice over the years. The dream came to fruition as Beauchamp posted a video surprising her.

The 21-year-old can be seen inside the home with flowers and balloons waiting to surprise her. Once she realized that was her future home, she immediately broke down into tears and gave a priceless reaction that Beauchamp will likely remember forever.

The gesture of a player gifting their parents or other family members cars or houses often produces some of the best, heartwarming reactions on social media. That was once again the case during the moment between Beauchamp and his mother.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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