3. Drafted Andre Jackson
Selected UConn wing Andre Jackson Jr. with the 36th pick
The new CBA may have instituted painful restrictions on the league’s most expensive teams, but they also introduced a new element to help teams out on salary as well. The new second-round pick exception allows teams to sign their second-round picks to three and four-year deals without needing to dip into exception money.
The Bucks took full advantage, signing both of their second-rounders to new contracts. Of the two, Andre Jackson Jr. looks like the kind of player who could step in and start contributing immediately. After winning a national championship in college this past season, can he help the Bucks do the same in the NBA?
Livingston is a 6’6″ wing with plus athleticism and some real defensive chops. He can get off the ground for some impressive blocks, and he has the grit and instincts to one day be a high-level perimeter defender. His combination of athleticism and motor make him a great rebounder (he led the team in rebounds in Las Vegas Summer League) and he is a good playmaker and finisher in transition.
He’s somewhat raw offensively, and if his shot can’t be at least passable he will have a hard time seeing the court, as a rookie or period. Still, options in the second round aren’t exactly plentiful, and Jackson looks like the kind of player who teams will regret not taking ahead of Milwaukee’s selection.
Grade: B+