Thinking a leap on both ends was in order, Milwaukee Bucks fans clamored all summer for AJ Green to work his way into the starting lineup, and Doc Rivers obliged. Three games in, it certainly looks like it was the right decision, as Green has been a shot in the arm for this basketball team. The team may have some early faults, but Green isn't one of them.
AJ Green has taken a leap Bucks fans dreamed of
If Green wanted a promotion, he'd have to prove that he could take on more responsibility on both sides of the basketball. Done and done.
Offensively, he's up to 13.3 points per contest while shooting 65 percent from the floor, including an efficient 58.8 percent from downtown. Of course, it's only been three outings, but Green looks even more poised and confident with the basketball than he did last season. He's providing the type of fantastic perimeter shooting the Milwaukee Bucks need around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Speaking of Giannis, the primary reason Green is in the starting five is because the Milwaukee Bucks know he will thrive off the Greek Freak's gravity. Indeed, Green has gone 4-of-5 (80 percent) from deep off passes from Giannis. Those four makes are the most among any teammates Giannis has passed the ball to. These two are a perfect match, and Rivers is fully buying into it.
Defense is where Bucks fans needed to see a major leap, and Green has delivered. He's still fouling a bit too often, averaging three a game. Yet, numbers-wise, Green is doing an excellent job, as players are shooting 13-of-37 (35.1 percent) with the wing as their main defender. He's making a legitimate difference on that end, proving he's far more than just an outside shooter for the Bucks.
One of the primary concerns with starting Green alongside Gary Trent Jr. was that they are both small and could get taken advantage of by bigger forwards. While Trent has struggled in this regard so far, it has not been an issue for Green, who is holding opposing forwards to just 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) shooting. The 6-foot-4 wing's ability to guard bigger players can be a tremendous asset for this team.
Of course, there is still room for Green to improve. Whether it comes from him being more aggressive or Doc Rivers drawing up more plays, Bucks fans would love to see Green get up more than 5.7 triple tries per game. Defensively, he needs to cut back on the fouls and guard bigger players consistently. If he can do both of those things, the wing's breakout will only continue.
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