Defense-first players are lucky enough to learn from one Defensive Player of the Year in their careers. Andre Jackson Jr. could soon have the opportunity to pick the brain of two. After spending his entire career with the Bucks alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jackson is joining the Toronto Raptors, who should have Kawhi Leonard in tow soon.
Raptors pick up Jackson in low-cost move
Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Andre Jackson Jr. is heading to Toronto, where he will fight for a spot on the roster. The wing has a great opportunity to carve out a role for himself as he embraces his next chapter. If he does make the team, Jackson should do whatever he can to learn from Kawhi on the defensive side of the ball to continue growing.
The Toronto Raptors and Andre Jackson Jr. have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. He’ll compete for a roster spot with the Raptors. He spent the past three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. pic.twitter.com/2r6BxS8yVe
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 5, 2026
Jackson already spent plenty of time working with Giannis on that side of things. If the Leonard to Toronto trade goes through and Jackson makes the team, he will have spent time with two of the most feared defenders of the last decade. For a player who knows his path to minutes will revolve around his defense, that poses a great opportunity to develop.
Being around these two won't guarantee Jackson's success, but it can certainly help the cause.
Jackson still has something to give
Jackson's days with the Milwaukee Bucks were frustrating at times. He was constantly yanked in and out of the rotation, leaving him unable to carve out a role for himself. It also plagued his confidence at times, as he was seemingly timid to take shots at times because he had no semblance of a groove. A clear-cut role with Toronto isn't guaranteed, but if he gets one, he could certainly help.
From the moment the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Jackson, it was clear that defense was his appeal. The uber-athletic forward had the body and motor to be an absolute pest. On the higher end of his believers, Bucks fans hoped he could be the wing defender they have needed since P.J. Tucker left following the championship run.
He never quite lived up to that, but the glimpses have been there. When let off the leash, Jackson was often tasked with guarding some of the best players in the game, and he gave them trouble on plenty of occasions. If he plans on sticking in the NBA for the foreseeable future, Jackson needs to hone in on that potential and bring it to the surface.
That's what makes the tips and tricks he can acquire from Antetokounmpo and Leonard crucial.
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