Bucks Zone

Report names Andre Jackson Jr. as the Milwaukee Bucks' 'hidden gem'

Andre Jackson Jr. could be a difference-maker down the stretch.

Jonas Panerio

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As veteran coaches go, Doc Rivers isn't fond of handing minutes to unproven rookies, which is why Milwaukee Bucks athletic rookie Andre Jackson Jr. hasn't seen much of the floor when Rivers took over. In his last two games, the 6-foot-6 wingman has played only four minutes, accumulating two points, a rebound, a steal, and two steals.

It's a far cry from early this season when he raised eyebrows with his incredible athleticism and defense. If the Bucks are to truly go all the way this season, Jackson Jr. could be the "X-factor" that propels them over the top—if only Doc trusts him.

A piece of the Bucks' championship puzzle

On a Bucks squad that doesn't offer much perimeter defense, the 36th overall pick of last year's NBA Draft could be a valuable asset. Milwaukee currently starts Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley in the backcourt, which provides plenty of offensive pop. However, the two are consistently targeted on the other end, which could become problematic once the NBA Playoffs arrive.

"It's not a stretch to say rookie Andre Jackson Jr. is one of the most important pieces of a hypothetical Milwaukee Bucks championship puzzle," Grant Hughes wrote in Bleacher Report.

"Nobody would argue Jackson matters more than veteran stars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and both Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton figure to have their say as well. But an already thin Bucks rotation lost depth it couldn't spare in the Lillard trade, which left the second-rounder out of UConn as the team's standout wing defender."

Bucks' best defensive option

While the Bucks have former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo and shot-blocker supreme Brook Lopez, Milwaukee still lacks that point-of-attack defender that can contain elite perimeter weapons like Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, and Jimmy Butler. Milwaukee has numerous options, but none compare to what Jackson brings.

"Rivers is bound to eventually realize the Lillard-Malik Beasley backcourt combo is profoundly ill-equipped to handle tough postseason matchups on D, Pat Connaughton and Middleton can't be relied upon as stoppers, and veteran irritant Patrick Beverley is more bark than bite. That'll leave Jackson, an energetic 6'6" disruptor with great length and quick feet, as a critical contributor. Consider this a bet that he's ready to help," Hughes added.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO