Since returning in mid-December from what was labeled a shoulder contusion, Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green has not looked the same. Outside of one 20-point eruption, he has not been able to re-establish a rhythm. His 3-point shot, which makes up most of his game, is not falling. Hopefully Green finds his footing soon, because the Bucks need him.
Green spent second half of December shaking off post-injury rust
Green sustained the injury on December 5 against the 76ers, exiting the game after starting 0-4 from the field. In seven games since his return two weeks later, he is shooting just 32.7% overall and 31.3% from three. His scoring has dipped to 7.6 points per game (down from 10.5 PPG on the season). Throw out his 20-point outburst against Memphis and he has not clipped double figures.
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) yells out during a time out after a made three point shot against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Green’s shooting efficiency stands in stark contrast to his season splits: 45.3/44.8/80.8 entering Wednesday against the Wizards. In a painful 114-113 loss, Green went 3-8 from deep for nine points. Green did log 35 minutes, his most since the Memphis game, which is a promising sign. It has been some time since he looked like the AJ Green the Bucks know, love, and need.
The roster does not have a substitute for his high-volume, quick-trigger sniping. More than making them, the Bucks have also struggled to get up enough threes.
They have asked Gary Trent Jr. to help fill the void, but his down year continues. He hasn’t scored in double figures since before the midpoint of December. His season 3-point percentage of 37.8 is solid, but still an appreciable dropoff from his 41.6% success rate last year. Overall he’s shooting below 40% from the field. Against the Wizards, he went scoreless on 0-4 shooting.
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) on defense against Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8)during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Other than that, with Taurean Prince out for the year, Myles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins have supplied the 3-point volume in addition to Green. Bobby Portis has been insanely efficient (47.3 percent) but does not provide great volume. Green still leads the team in attempts and makes per game.
The Bucks are counting on him to figure things out before too long. Spacing issues have stifled the offense at times this season. They need their shooters to convert to pay off the ball-movement-dependent, drive-and-kick operation the roster is built for. Green may simply need a bit more time to get right, but his slump isn’t helping.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!