1 Andre Jackson Jr. stat shows why he's earned his place in Bucks' rotation

After starting the season stuck on the bench, Andre Jackson Jr. has slowly worked his way into the Milwaukee Bucks' rotation, logging a season-high 25 minutes in their last outing.

It was easy to make a case for Jackson to get more time. A team that looked as unathletic, lethargic and devoid of a spark defensively as Milwaukee has needed a boost any way they could get it. While it has not resulted in wins thus far, Jackson has clearly made an impact during his minutes this season, and one big stat on the defensive end backs this up.

In his five contests played, Jackson has held opposing players to 5-of-21 overall field goal shooting, which comes out to 23.8 percent. Not only is that the best percentage on the entire Milwaukee Bucks roster, but it's also tied for the best in the NBA among players to defend at least 21 shots this season. With that in mind, it's hard to deny his defensive impact.

Bucks' Andre Jackson Jr. is making noise as a defender

Over these past two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Doc Rivers has used Jackson as one of the primary defenders on Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, two All-Star guards. Jackson, still a 22-year-old sophomore, showed no fear and held his own. In fact, across 27.8 partial possessions, Mitchell shot 0-of-3 and had two turnovers. Garland shot 1-of-3 across 18.2 partial possessions.

To start the season, the Bucks simply don't have anyone else in the backcourt who has shown an ability to match up with top-tier scorers this well. Gary Trent Jr. has completely fallen short of his initial expectations. Delon Wright has statistically been one of the lesser defenders on the team. There's no denying that Pat Connaughton has lost a step on that side of the court.

In short, Andre Jackson Jr.'s minutes are essential moving forward, even if it comes at the expense of some of the more experienced veterans. His defensive impact is too great.

Fans are quick to point out Jackson's foul trouble and turnovers, both of which are indeed holes in his game and things that have hindered his playing time. There will be frustrating moments in that regard, but the best way for him to learn from these mistakes is by playing through it. Example: After tallying 12 fouls during the prior three-game stretch, Jackson had zero in his last game. Progress.

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