Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking impending free agents by priority to re-sign

Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis, Bryn Forbes, OKC Thunder: Justin Jackson
Feb 19, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks free agent priority No. 6 – Justin Jackson

Justin Jackson finds himself in a similar situation to Axel Toupane after he was also brought aboard on a two-way contract with the Bucks late in the regular season.

The former UNC Tar Heel would suit up in just six games total for the Bucks, mostly finding himself out on the floor during mop-up duty late in the game. He was also one of the team’s energizers, providing a vocal spark on the bench throughout this hectic title run. Although he did not get much burn for the Bucks, Jackson’s case for sticking around is not as open and shut as some might believe when it comes to free agency.

Before signing with the Bucks, Jackson played 33 games with the OKC Thunder, providing quality minutes by averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Those numbers do not jump off the page, but the 26-year-old showed glimpses of potential that he could be a viable rotational player. Being selected 15th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, there is potentially some unearthed potential with Jackson waiting to be utilized. However, going out on a limb like that will not be enough for the Bucks to prioritize him in free agency.