Andre Jackson Jr. was gifted a golden opportunity to make a name for himself as a starter with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. He looked good at times but was ultimately pulled from the rotation - not just the starting lineup - because of his lack of contributions offensively. He has everything else a successful player needs, but he can't be a one-way player.
Jackson is close to being a role player this Milwaukee team needs
For a Milwaukee team that made it clear they want to get younger, faster, and more athletic this year, Jackson has all of the tools to help. He's one of the best athletes on the team, loves running the floor as a transition threat, and can guard several different positions. Great. So, what's the problem? He's a non-threat on offense.
In 67 games this past season, including 43 starts, Jackson averaged just 3.4 points per game. While he hit the occasional three-ball or cut to the hoop for a layup, he oftentimes looked far too passive as a scorer. Despite having a good look, he'd pass it up. Understanding this, teams often dared him to hit shots, focusing their attention elsewhere defensively.
In today's NBA, you cannot have one-way players. Everyone must be able to make an impact on both sides of the basketball. If not, other teams will exploit that weakness. That's why the Milwaukee Bucks aren't entirely sold on Jackson, pushing back the guarantee date on his contract to opening night of this coming season. If they wanted him, they'd have guaranteed it. It's not a financial issue.
Jackson did himself no favors during the NBA's Summer League. The youngster had the greenest of lights on offense, but he only averaged three shot attempts in his four games, averaging 5.5 points. Showing some aggressiveness offensively could have perhaps given the Milwaukee Bucks some faith in him (maybe even to guarantee his contract right then and there). Instead, they still aren't sold.
Making things tougher is that Jackson has the mechanics to solve Milwaukee's current small forward predicament. That is the most uncertain spot on the entire roster, with Taurean Prince and youngster Chris Livingston serving as the lone legitimate small forwards. Jackson could play that role and thrive with Milwaukee's new emphasis on youth and athleticism, but they cannot trust his offense.
Former NBA player (and son of Doc Rivers) Austin Rivers said it best on a previous episode of The Ringer's 'Off Guard with Austin Rivers.'
"Andre Jackson, I hope you're listening. You are this close to making hundreds of millions. You do things physically that you cannot teach. The only thing you're missing is a jump shot."
Only time will tell how things pan out, but if Andre Jackson Jr. wants to remain in the NBA, let alone with the Milwaukee Bucks, he will need to work on his offensive aggressiveness. He's so close to being a player who every team would love to have on the payroll.
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