Milwaukee Bucks: 2017-18 player grades for Sterling Brown

Milwaukee Bucks wing Sterling Brown had low expectations entering the NBA, but he showed a skill-set that could keep him around for awhile.

The Milwaukee Bucks had a turbulent 2017-18 season. Their 44-38 campaign was notable for inconsistent offense, middling defense and the firing of head coach Jason Kidd. Still, the Bucks persevered and finished seventh in a competitive Eastern Conference. They were ousted in the first round by the undermanned Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series.

Rookie wing player Sterling Brown played in the background while all of the madness ensued. Brown was selected 46th overall in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. His rights were traded to the Bucks on July 6 for $1.9 million in cash. Brown signed a three-year, $3.8 million contract the following day.

Brown played 54 games in 2017-18, making four starts and averaging 14.4 minutes per game. He averaged 4.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in that span. Brown only shot 40 percent from the field, but went a commendable 35.2 percent from 3-point range and 87.5 percent from the free throw line.

Despite his low numbers, Brown managed to outplay D.J. Wilson, Milwaukee’s 2017 first round pick and the only other rookie on the team. Wilson only appeared in 22 games, averaging 1.0 points and 0.5 rebounds in 3.2 minutes per game.

As a rookie lost in the shuffle of a maddening 2017-18, what can we ultimately take away from Sterling Brown’s rookie year?