Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo believe in young guys’ capabilities to step up in Jae Crowder’s extended absence

Giannis has faith in the Bucks' young studs.
Jonas Panerio|
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Milwaukee Bucks

While Jae Crowder’s absence will definitely be felt on both ends of the floor, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is confident the team’s young studs will do a fine job of filling the void left by the veteran, rugged forward.

Crowder is set to miss roughly eight weeks due to an abdominal injury he suffered during their game versus the Orlando Magic last weekend. On Monday night, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin deployed second-year player MarJon Beauchamp and rookie Andre Jackson Jr. in the game against the Chicago Bulls and got solid performances from the two in the 118-109 win.

Beauchamp had eight points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, while Jackson Jr. tallied five points and three boards.

Relentless work ethic

The “Greek Freak” knows how much work the two young guys put in. Tiresome workouts that build their skills and confidence for the times when their numbers are called. That time is apparently now and Giannis believes they’ll do well with their increased roles in the rotation.

“At the end of the day, both of them, they just, they cannot lose,” Giannis said. “The attitude they have, they cannot lose. They work extremely hard when nobody’s here, when the lights are not on in the practice facility. When they get the work in, they work extremely hard. When they go out there and they have the opportunity, they play extremely hard. They’re extremely coachable — both of those guys.”

Excited for the future

On a team that has an aging core, the infusion of youth is crucial for Milwaukee to sustain its success in the years to come. The future of the Bucks could hinge on how well Giannis’ young teammates develop. The two-time MVP sees a lot of his work ethic in both Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. so he has all the confidence in the world they will develop into superb players.

“It’s a matter of time for them to blossom into the players that they’re gonna be. I’m excited to see what the future holds for them. And I definitely remember myself. I don’t know, they’re way more ahead of me as a rookie, as a sophomore like when I was a rookie. If I saw myself at 18, I don’t know if I would’ve drafted myself. I don’t know if I would’ve put myself in a game, but it’s the same thing. I had the same mentality. I wanted to work. I was coachable and I was willing to sacrifice and do whatever it took for me to help the team win,” Giannis concluded.

Andre Jackson Jr. says he’ll take the increased role with the Milwaukee Bucks day-by-day

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO