Oh, how quickly the life of an athlete can change. One day you're considered the future of a franchise that is rebuilding on young talent, and next you're playing for a team that's poised to make the playoffs. That's what former 76ers point guard Michael Carter-Williams went through when he said, "I thought I had proved myself to be a cornerstone to those people. But things change. I'm not sure of the reason."
Right before the trade deadline on February 19th, point guard Michael Carter-Williams was traded from the 76ers to the Bucks in exchange for Brandon Knight in a 3-way trade that included the Suns as well. Carter-Williams is a 6'6 point guard and the reigning rookie of the year after having a stellar rookie campaign. He is averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.5 assist per game so far this season, most of those games with the 76ers. He is replacing an All Star in Knight who is averaging 18 points , 5 assist, and 4 rebounds per game on the season. So to say Carter-Williams has big shoes to fill is an understatement.
(Jeff Hanisch, USA Today Sports)
In Carter-Williams first outing with the Bucks he had a solid game, putting up 7 points and 8 assists in limited minutes. In his game against the Lakers at the Staple Center, he had a quiet start, only earning 10 minutes of playtime in the first half resulting in only 2 points. Jerryd Bayless providing a good spark off of the bench offensively didn't help Carter-William's case for minutes either. However, Carter-Williams showed some life in the third quarter, putting up 4 points and 3 assists as the Bucks built upon their lead. Carter-Williams continued to play towards the end of the game, but didn't amass too much more, only totaling 8 points on 50% shooting.
Carter-Williams is surely still adjusting to an offense that he started to pick up just over a week ago. His minutes rose from his game from 20 to nearly 27. Head coach, Jason Kidd, is well experienced with bigger point guards, as he was one himself and will most likely ease Carter-Williams into the offense since the Bucks are seven games ahead of the 9th place team in the Eastern Conference.
Carter-Williams is out to prove that the trade the 76ers made was a mistake , and he's going to have to up his game to the next level on both ends of the court in order to prove it.