The Bucks have an interesting roster going into next season. They have a dynamic duo in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, but surrounding them, they have a cadre of shooters and wing defenders rather than any established options. These guys are in various stages of their careers, but one who can be expected to make a leap and show why he’s underrated is AJ Green.
AJ Green is one of the best shooters in the NBA
Last season, Green was statistically one of the best shooters in the entire NBA, hitting 42 percent from three on five attempts per game. Over his three-year career, his 3-point percentage also rests at 42 percent.
His shooting is a deadly weapon, not just for how many he makes, but how fearlessly he takes long-range shots. If defenses give him even the slightest bit of space, he’s willing to let it go. This garners extra defensive attention and can open opportunities for teammates.
Of course, this sharpshooting playstyle pairs perfectly with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis has been one of the top generators of kick-out threes to teammates for many years now, and Green is often able to take advantage of his drives.
Next season, Green’s shooting volume should only go up after the Bucks lost Damian Lillard (the team leader in threes made the last two seasons) in the offseason. Green started a handful of games last season and may find himself on the court for tip-off more often, depending on the matchup or shooting variation amongst the Milwaukee Bucks’ guards.
Green is generally a very steady hand from three, but he can get extremely hot at times. Last season, he shot 48 percent from three on six attempts per game in November. A hot shooting stretch like this can easily get him some starts next season.
Green is also certainly an underrated defender. His defensive playmaking numbers are almost hilariously bad, averaging 0.3 steals and 0.1 blocks per game for his career, but he’s a solid positional defender. His physical appearance can make him a target for opposing offenses, but he can typically hold steady even when hunted.
The advanced metrics prove Green’s value. Last season, he had the second-highest net rating on the Bucks among regular rotation players, only behind Giannis. In the playoffs, he again had the second-highest net rating, now behind Dame. The Bucks consistently win the minutes that Green plays and it’s no coincidence.
He’s still on an incredibly cheap contract at $2.3 million this season, but he's probably worth closer to Sam Hauser’s four-year, $45 million contract. Green will show the Milwaukee Bucks and the league that he’s underrated and earn a bigger contract this season.