With the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks took Andre Jackson Jr. from UConn.
The Bucks clearly had their eye on Jackson from afar, as they traded up to land him in a surprise deal with the Orlando Magic. Milwaukee sent out a 2030 second round pick and cash in the deal to acquire pick 36. Most fans are excited about the pick, and understandably so. Truly, Milwaukee’s entire haul from the 2023 draft is pretty captivating, but Jackson is the biggest reason why.
Jackson heard his name called at the draft following a successful three-year run at UConn, where he won a National Championship in 2023. In his three seasons, Jackson was essentially a starter full-time outside of his first year. In that span, he averaged six points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal per contest.
Why Milwaukee Bucks fans should be excited about Andre Jackson Jr.
Due to what he brings to the table, Jackson has a chance to carve out a legitimate role for himself with the Bucks. This team needed more defense, youth, athleticism, and playmaking, and Jackson checks off all of those boxes. Under Coach Adrian Griffin, it seems like player development will be much more prominent for the Bucks moving forward, and getting the best out of Jackson will be on Griffin’s to-do list.
Given his skills, Jackson has drawn comparisons to some notable NBA players. With that said, let us look at some comparisons for the 21-year-old, including a dream, realistic, and floor scenario.
Dream ceiling for Bucks’ Andre Jackson Jr. – A young Warriors Andre Iguodala
It’s a complete coincidence that these two players share the first name. However, in addition to their first names, Andre Jackson Jr. and Andre Iguodala share some similar on-court attributes in their playstyles that could make the former a solid rotational piece for years to come if he is able to unearth that potential within his game.
First and foremost, both are strong defenders. Ironically, they’re also both 6-foot-6. Iguodala has always been known for his imposing presence defensively, having earned two All-Defensive nods in his career and a Finals MVP in 2015 for his defensive efforts against LeBron James. Bucks fans should not expect Jackson to immediately come in and defend some of the best players to ever play the game at a high level, but the wing has the length, athleticism, and IQ to make things hard for opposing wings nightly, as Iguodala has throughout his career.
Offensively, neither Iguodala nor Jackson have been strong outside shooters; they’ve had to rely on attacking the hoop more often. Another aspect of their games offensively that the two share is a quality passing ability. Iguodala averaged 4.2 assists in his career, while Jackson averaged 3.5 in his three years at UConn. Like Iguodala often did for many years as a member of the Warriors, Jackson could serve as a playmaker off of the bench to give the Bucks another facilitator.
If Jackson could develop his game and become Milwaukee’s version of Iguodala, there’s no doubt that he could be a key piece for years to come.
The realistic ceiling for Bucks’ Andre Jackson Jr. – A more defensive-oriented Donte DiVincenzo
Bucks fans will either love or hate this comparison for Jackson. Donte DiVincenzo spent the first three and a half years of his NBA career with the Bucks and had his share of inconsistencies. Yet, just looking at their respective games, DiVincenzo and Jackson share some key similarities in how they perform on the court.
Again, starting with the defense, both players are extremely versatile. DiVincenzo often served as a Swiss Army Knife off of Milwaukee’s bench, giving them a player who could defend no shortage of positions. Jackson can be the same way, and with two inches of added height, he may be even more versatile at this level. Sticking with that, DiVincenzo was versatile when the Bucks went with their switching schemes, and Jackson will undeniably be the same exact way. Coming in, he may already be a better defender than Donte DiVincenzo was.
Offensively, rookie DiVincenzo had some improving to do, especially as a shooter. Jackson will be tasked with doing the same. DiVincenzo shot just 31.8 percent from three during his first two seasons before breaking out in year three, having hit 37.9 percent of them. If Jackson is able to eventually find his perimeter stroke and become a reliable outside shooter like DiVicenzo has, those concerns about his offensive game will be lessened mightily.
Secondary playmaking is another characteristic the two share. DiVincenzo didn’t handle the ball too much in Milwaukee, but he was always willing to orchestrate things whenever called upon in his three and a half years. As highlighted in the Iguodala section, that is something Jackson could excel at in the NBA. Finally, both of these players have tremendous athleticism and can leap out of the gym on fast breaks to throw down some thunderous dunks.
The floor for Bucks’ Andre Jackson Jr. – A better passing Matisse Thybulle
Since being drafted, Jackson has drawn his share of comparisons to Portland’s Matisse Thybulle, which is very understandable.
The biggest reason for the comparison stems from their defensive reputation. Thybulle has been a great defender throughout his first four seasons, having already earned two All-Defensive nods in such a short time. He’s 6-foot-5, versatile, and can defend plenty of positions. Ironically, the Bucks reportedly inquired about trading for Thybulle this past season for all of those reasons. Now, the team has a player who is much younger and less experienced but still checks off those boxes.
The defensive comparison is valid in a good way, but the offensive comparison tips in the other direction. Thybulle has struggled to find his niche on that end throughout his four years, having averaged just 4.6 points while shooting 33.4 percent from long range. As highlighted previously, there as concerns as to what Jackson can give the Bucks on that end in the scoring department. One thing that Jackson has on Thybulle is that he’s a better passer. Passing has never been a big component of Thybulle’s game, having averaged an assist per game in four years.
If Jackson can become a better passing Thybulle, he could be a steal of a second round selection for the Milwaukee Bucks. He might not earn the All-Defensive selections like Thybulle has right away, but the two players undoubtedly share some similarities.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis on the exciting 2023 NBA Draft class.