Milwaukee Bucks draft pick Malique Lewis signed a two-year contract with the Cairns Taipans of the National Basketball League in Australia, the league announced.
Lewis was the 60th overall pick by the Bucks after playing the last two years with the SE Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL. He averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.5% from 3-point range in 31 games last season.
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The 21-year-old previously played two seasons with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada in the Spanish League and one season with the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League before joining the SE Melbourne Phoenix as part of the NBL’s “Next Stars” program.
Lewis was initially invited to the G League combine in May, but he was forced to sit out because of a preexisting heart condition. He was eventually cleared by a fitness-to-play panel, allowing him to be draft-eligible and to participate in team workouts.
The Trinidadian forward competed in the annual adidas Eurocamp scouting combine in Treviso, Italy, in June. He was an All-Eurocamp Team selection, averaging 12 points, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 50% from 3-point range.
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Lewis logged four appearances with the Bucks in summer league, averaging 4.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He will now return to the NBL next season as he continues to develop and prepare to eventually make the jump to the NBA.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Bucks draft pick Malique Lewis signs 2-year contract in Australia
