Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova is progressing with his injury and helping the team in other ways

BERKELEY, Calif. - It didn't look like much, but Matthew Dellavedova's short, deliberate jump for a shot over the outstretched arm of assistant coach Josh Broghamer represented definite step forward for the Milwaukee Bucks point guard.

Dellavedova's jump shots at Monday's practice at the University of California's Haas Pavilion were his first in the past two weeks while working his way back from the left knee tendinitis that's kept him out of the past three games. As of Sunday, Dellavedova was still limited to set shots with his feet on the floor.

"The last four days or so it’s been progressing real well, so just got to keep pushing," Dellavedova said. "It’s definitely nice to shoot jump shots.”

Those recent strides came after a more difficult first week dealing with the injury. Dellavedova said his progress was slow, and it was frustrating knowing he would be out for some time while not seeing much, if any, progress.

His rehab has included isometric holds on the leg extension, work on the other muscles in his legs to keep them strong, stints on the exercise bike and in the pool and some jump rope. Each morning, the Bucks' training staff evaluates his progress and sets up a routine accordingly to continue the healing process while seeing how much the knee can tolerate that day.

While he hasn't been able to play and doesn't have a target date for his return as the Bucks head to Sacramento for a 9 p.m. game against the Kings on Tuesday, Dellavedova felt it was important to be on this four-game road trip and around the team.

“You talk about one of our leaders not being able to play, but can still be helpful on the bench and off the floor in between games," head coach Jason Kidd said. "He’s been big for us. He’s one of our leaders."

One specific way Dellavedova has tried to help has been with offering insight and advice to Eric Bledsoe as he continues to settle in with the team. He's conscious of not adding his voice at the wrong time or overloading Bledsoe, but hopes he can explain certain sets or things he sees on the court in a way that can benefit Bledsoe and the Bucks.

Dellavedova's input is something that Bledsoe has appreciated.

“A lot of help, man," Bledsoe said. "Delly sees things out there that he thinks we should do and he speaks. We need that. (He speaks) without anybody taking offense to it or thinking he’s always getting on them or thinks he knows it all; it’s just he sees what he sees. ...

“We just know he’s for the team and wants to win even when he’s not playing. That’s all you can ask for from a teammate.”

Every day, two-way players: Milwaukee's pair of two-way players, Gary Payton II and Joel Bolomboy, have been with the team for most of the month, including the entirety of the current road trip. That hasn't always translated to them getting game action, but with numerous recent injuries, Kidd has needed them for roster depth.

“It’s been a big thing for us," Kidd said. "We’ve always been hurt for whatever reason. This year having the G League has the opportunity to bring guys up, and we’ve had the guys up almost the whole time so far. We have to be careful with their days because their days can run out, but I think the guys have helped us win games.”

Each NBA team can designate a pair of two-way players from their G League affiliate who are allowed to spend up to 45 days with the parent club before they must sign an NBA contract.

Payton has played in Milwaukee's past four games and started each of the past two, playing about 9 1/2 minutes against the Phoenix Suns before injuring his right ankle and seven minutes against the Utah Jazz.

Kidd says he'll probably take a look at him on the court again in Sacramento, though he hasn't decided whether he will start or not.

"I think his defense and what he brings, his toughness, helps us," Kidd said.

Bolomboy has been more limited in his playing opportunities, appearing in just three games, but played a critical role against the Suns as the team's lone center in overtime with John Henson recovering from an eye procedure and Thon Maker fouled out.

In practice, Bolomboy has been a regular on-court opponent for rookie first-round pick D.J. Wilson, something that Wilson believes has been positive for him.

“We’re both in the same boat as far as playing time right now," Wilson said. "We’re getting a lot of run in after practice, before practice. He’s a physical, athletic big, so it’s good for me to match up against him every day and work the physical aspect of my game, especially on defense. It’s been a good experience.”