Drew Timme provides spark off bench in NBA Summer League debut for Bucks

The three-time All-American scored seven points in 13 minutes of action

Weeks after signing an Exhibit 10 contract, Drew Timme’s first taste of the NBA came against the Denver Nuggets on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. 

Timme delivered seven points on 3 of 4 shooting in 13 minutes off the bench to help Milwaukee defeat Denver 92-85 in the NBA Summer League opener. 

The former Gonzaga men's basketball big man scored his first points on a close-range jumper off the backboard in the first quarter, a maneuver he frequently used on his way to becoming the Bulldogs’ all-time leading scorer.  

Timme’s next bucket, a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from the left wing midway through the first quarter, appeared less familiar to Gonzaga fans. He shot 25.3% from beyond the arc during his four seasons in Spokane. 

Timme scored his final points in the third quarter, sinking a short floater during Milwaukee’s 16-0 scoring run to extend its lead to 67-61. 

“I love to watch Drew play, man,” said Bucks teammate Andre Jackson Jr., the 36th overall pick in last month’s draft. “He brings a different kind of vibe to the team and he’s really kind of calm and he knows the game and he plays the game really smart. He’s really smart, he can make plays, he can score the ball and he’s always in the right spot.”

Milwaukee’s win saw Timme face off against his former Gonzaga teammate Julian Strawther, who finished with 15 points, two steals and a rebound. Strawther, the 29th overall pick, shot 4-for-11 from the field, 3-for-9 from deep and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line in 26 minutes of action.

The postgame hug between former #Gonzaga teammates Julian Strawther and Drew Timme following today's Denver-Milwaukee matchup in Vegas.

📷: @tylertjomsland pic.twitter.com/ZJLQJdNFzv

— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) July 8, 2023

Timme and the Bucks resume Summer League play tonight at 6 p.m. PST against the Phoenix Suns at Cox Pavilion (NBA TV).