© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Report grades Milwaukee Bucks’ rookies a C+
The Milwaukee Bucks are a veteran squad, which, more often than not, does not have time to give to its young players. The Bucks are a legitimate title threat that leans on its veteran core to carry them through every game.
However, rookie forward Andre Jackson Jr. is making Bucks coach Adrian Griffin rethink his rotation combinations, especially after the former gave Milwaukee solid numbers in recent victories over Detroit and Houston. Although Jackson has logged in just a little over 200 minutes this season, he has done enough to be graded a C+ by Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey.
Boost of athleticism
Bailey says the grade he gave to the Bucks' young players is modest and could rise over the next few weeks. The 6-foot-6 forward out of UConn is a versatile forward who has given Milwaukee a much-needed boost of athleticism. Andre is a threat both on offense and defense, as he can make plays, hit shots from beyond the arc, and keep his opponents in check with his length on D.
Given minutes in the last three games, Jackson Jr. has averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, showcasing the energy and explosiveness that make him such a valuable asset.
"Andre Jackson Jr. has barely played over 200 minutes on the season, but about a third of that total has come in the Milwaukee Bucks' last three games. With Jackson's activity level, athleticism, and willingness to move the ball, Adrian Griffin had to get him some minutes. And it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him stick around a while," Bailey wrote.
Jackson will stay in the rotation
Griffin recently asserted that Andre would remain in the rotation despite the returns of veterans Khris Middleton and Malik Beasley.
"He'll be in the rotation. He did a tremendous job the last couple games. It's a long season. I think, just for me, just finding ways to find him minutes on the floor. And we have guys in and out; it's part of the NBA, but I think he's doing his part. You can only control what you can control, and I think he's going in there and playing extremely well, playing extremely hard, lots of energy, attention to detail, and he'll learn the league," Griffin explained.
