Milwaukee Bucks are undermanned and that meant more playing time for the bench guys, like Andre Jackson Jr.
AJJ getting benched for most of the games since the All-Star break has some fans confused. After all, he was the one guy who helped turn things around when they started the season 2-8. He was inserted into the starting line-up and things got better for them record-wise.
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Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Andre Jackson Jr. (44) battle for a loose ball in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
He was also notable for stopping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the NBA Cup finals.
However, changes happened and his limited offensive capability got him back to the lowest level in the bench depth.
It did not help, too, that the newcomers, Kevin Porter Jr. and Kyle Kuzma are playing well, at least in the first two weeks since the All-Star break.
Jackson Jr. got to play real minutes again on Sunday in the loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He was DNP’ed in the last four games before that.
Head coach Doc Rivers explained that unlike in the first few months, the second year guard playing legit minutes this time is not intentional.
“He gave us a lift, I thought, with his energy in the second half so I’m happy with that,” Rivers said after the game.
“But we also had AJ Green out, we have other guys out, and we chose Pat (Connaughton) tonight. It’s tough to get in there and there’s a lot of guys in front of him, but he absolutely gave us a lift tonight and that’s what we need.”
Andre Jackson Jr., Doc Rivers
Dec 8, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) have a disciussion during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
He also praised Jackson Jr. for always staying ready once his name is called.
“When we call on him we want him to be ready and that’s where I credit Dre because for a young guy to be playing and then not playing, to still work and still have the right spirit, it’s a positive thing.”
Andre Jackson Jr. and the rest of guards have big shoes to fill
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to carry the team in his shoulders. He needs help but he will not get that from Bobby Portis for now as the big man is still serving his 25-game suspension.
He also does not have the 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game by Damian Lillard who is out due to blood clot in his calf strain. He is now undergoing medication for it.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after being injured
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after being injured against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
This is why the bench, especially those guys who already had time playing with the starting unit, needs to be more aggressive.
Jackson Jr. did that against the Hawks in his limited minutes.
Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. are both great offensively but they should also have the commitment to play defense like AJJ.
With eight games to go, they should be able to have a great build-up to the playoffs.
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