The Milwaukee Bucks waiving Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith means a second chance for another young player on the cusp of being cut: third-year wing Andre Jackson Jr. Despite starting 43 games last season, earlier this season he seemed all but a sure-fire cut due to inconsistent play and his partially rather than fully guaranteed contract. Instead, the Bucks are keeping him on for a third season. It’s great news for Jackson, but whether he actually commands a role in the rotation, vindicating Milwaukee’s roster choice and increasing his stock for next year, remains to be seen.
Jackson could struggle to earn minutes from back end of rotation
Across 67 games played and 43 starts in 2024-25, Jackson averaged only 14.6 minutes and 3.4 points per contest. Not exactly starting-level production. While he showed enough to make the team, there is no real path to Jackson getting more minutes this season.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Including Jackson, here’s a look at the Bucks’ options at shooting guard and small forward, the two positions where he would spend most of his time as a wing player.
SG – AJ Green, Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent Jr., Jackson, Gary Harris
SF – Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, Amir Coffey, AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, Jackson
At either position, it’s hard to see much of an opening for Jackson. The options ahead of him at the two are all decent defenders, decreasing Jackson’s value as a substitute. At small forward, it would be surprising to see him take minutes from Prince, Coffey, or Kuzma – yes, even Kuzma, who makes too much money to sit on the bench all day. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis will account for a bulk of power forward reps, making Kuzma minutes at the three inevitable.
The one advantage Jackson has over Prince and Coffey is his playmaking skills, provided he makes decisive reads and isn’t careless with the ball, areas in which he has struggled at times.
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
At 6-foot-6, he also has a few inches on either Green or Rollins. The Bucks could turn to Jackson here and there if they need size for certain matchups.
All in all, though, barring a slew of injuries, if anything Jackson should see less playing time than last year. Ahead of Harris and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, he is essentially the 13th player on the 15-man roster. For the Bucks, that’s just fine. For Jackson and his future earning potential, it’s not ideal.
He will make $2.2 million this season with a team option for $2.4 million in 2025-26. After that he would hit unrestricted free agency. Making the team is more than many believed Jackson would accomplish, but if he wants to up the value of his next contract he’ll have to actually see the floor.
Nov 13, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) is guarded by Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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