AJ Green does not look like himself. His shot isn't falling. He isn't playing with his usual physicality. After missing nearly two weeks with a shoulder contusion, he may have returned to the court a bit too soon for the Milwaukee Bucks. Perhaps he just needs more conditioning in live-game action. Either way, his return has not delivered anything like the jolt fans had banked on.
Green's return has not been shot in the arm Bucks hoped
In his second game back, Green went just 1-for-8 against the Timberwolves on Sunday to finish with four points in 23 minutes. He did not attempt a shot inside the arc. He was a bit better versus Toronto (2-for-5 for five points), but he has not looked fully healthy in either game.
It hurts to admit, but a minutes restriction might not be enough to get Green back to form. Doc Rivers limited his playing time against the Raptors and, while Green might have been due for a bump, his poor shooting Sunday limited his minutes organically.
That could actually be a good thing for his long-term wear and tear. The way Green has looked out there so far, it's hard not to wonder whether the Bucks were too eager to have him back. While it's not what anyone wants to hear, they might be better off holding him out next game.
The struggling offense was understandably desperate for his return. The Bucks depend on Green's shooting. They have no issue converting threes at a high clip, but getting up adequate volume can be a problem. In that regard, Green is not easily replaced. Shooting a red-hot 48.5 percent, he leads the team with 6.6 attempts per game.
Gary Trent Jr. has not made up the difference. In the three games Green missed, he did his part by going 8-for-19 from long range, but on the whole, the 2025-26 season continues to be rough sledding for Trent. With Green compromised, he was unable to provide the Bucks a pick-me-up over the last two contests. In those games, Trent shot 3-for-19 from the field for nine points.
Painfully, Green is even more important with Taurean Prince out for the year. For all his limitations, Prince is still a premier sniper on the wing. Trent's struggles don't help. The Bucks need Green to get going, but he may need a bit longer to get his feet back beneath him.
It's not the best time. The schedule picks up again after a lighter slate with the Bucks' early elimination from NBA Cup play. They continue a five-game road trip Tuesday in Indiana. After Christmas, they play six games in 10 days. Before or during that packed stretch of games, Doc Rivers could consider resting Green for another game or two.
As badly as the Milwaukee Bucks want him on the floor, they need him back healthy.