Andre Jackson Jr. Shines Despite Milwaukee Bucks' Struggles

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Andre Jackson Jr. #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball ... [+] during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

If the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t have bad luck, they wouldn’t have any luck at all. That’s the harsh reality of the hand they’ve been dealt, as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton battled injuries to varying degrees at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs. However, if we’re trying to spot the diamond in the rough, look no further than Andre Jackson Jr.

Ajax was taken with the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft as a player who fits the mold new head coach Adrian Griffin was looking for. His best traits are athleticism, a non-stop motor, and possessing all of the intangibles you need from a player on a winning team. That's exactly what he displayed at the University of Connecticut when he helped them win a National Championship in his final year.

His unorthodox style means he'll never light up the scoring column in the box score. In 57 games during his rookie year, his career-high points is 10. And although his shooting percentage looks good on paper—he knocked down 37 percent of his threes—defenses don't respect his goofy-looking outside shot. They consistently sag off him to send help to the Bucks' stars.

That can make it hard for a coaching staff to accurately evaluate the impact he can have on a game. Especially a head coach who was hired in the middle of a season.

When Doc Rivers took over, Jackson Jr. fell out of the regular rotation. He picked up 14 DNPs following the All-Star break. He only re-entered the rotation over the last seven games of the regular season. And after picking up a DNP in Game 1, he only played 4 minutes and 40 seconds in Game 2.

However, he continues to battle and good things happen when he's on the court. His playing time exploded to 17 minutes and 16 seconds in Game 3 before taking another leap in Game 4 to 25 minutes and 19 seconds. Milwaukee is a +21 in the 47 minutes and 15 seconds he's played in this series.

There aren't going to be many highlights to break down his direct impact on a game. However, he does all the little things to fill in the cracks for an incredibly top-heavy roster.

He's another dawg who won't back down from anyone. This fiery competitive spirit needs to simmer a bit in the long run, but, for now, it means he brings the ultimate intensity to every play. He has no issue picking up his man 94 feet from the hoop and hounding him every step of the way. He has no problem guarding four different positions in a single possession.

This energy translates to the glass, where he will fly in from the three-point line to throw down a missed shot. He's also helpful when the Bucks are missing Antetokounmpo and struggling to grab boards. He's a plus rebounder who can grab boards outside of his zone.

Offensively, he brings another ball-handler and initiator to a team that lost its primary point guard in Lillard. He's not going to consistently create shots for his teammates, but he can be a connector. His unselfishness and high basketball I.Q. mean he's always looking to get his guys involved in the game.

Milwaukee will be hard-pressed to win this series, considering Lillard and Antetokounmpo's doubtful status. It's the third straight postseason that has been derailed by injuries for a team with its core on the wrong side of 30. More changes are coming this offseason.

Jackson may be involved in those changes, but if he sticks around, he'll have proven he should be in the regular rotation moving forward. It's a small victory, but something Bucks' fans can hold onto heading into a turbulent summer.