Doc Rivers finally stopped overthinking it. After weeks of watching Gary Harris and Amir Coffey get minutes despite offering nothing special, Rivers rolled with Andre Jackson Jr. against the Pistons and immediately saw why he should've done this sooner.
Harris has been fine, which is exactly the problem at this moment in time. Fine doesn't move the needle for a team missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and desperately needing energy and defensive intensity. Jackson brings both in spades, and his 29-minute performance showed exactly what Milwaukee's been missing.
The Bucks still lost 116-129, but it feels like they might have found something finally with Jackson.
In this game, he put up six points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 2-of-6 shooting, including a 3-pointer. It's not the most stacked stat line in the world, but its utter range betrays a legitimate two-way impact that's still capable of changing how the game flows.
Andre Jackson Jr. just made the case for retaking his roster spot
It's obviously just one game, but if there's a takeaway we all should be getting from this loss, it's this: Andre Jackson Jr. is very much still the stat sheet stuffer we know he can be, filling every category without needing plays drawn up for him.
Jackson started for a good chunk of last season because of his ability to affect winning in ways that don't always show up in traditional scoring numbers, and that versatility is exactly what Milwaukee needs during this brutal stretch without their superstar.
Of course, offense will always be the biggest concern when you play an unpolished scorer like Jackson. The prevailing concern has always been that his offense (or lack thereof) tends to offset his contribution on the other side of the ball.
Fortunately, it looks like head coach Doc Rivers has figured something out.
"We just put him there because his guy's in the paint because they're denying and pressuring. And you know you can throw it to 'Dre when his guy's in the paint somewhere. I thought overall, he did a really good job in getting to the next action," Rivers said in a post-game press conference when asked about Jackson's role as a safety valve.
Given his ability to be a play connector, Jackson is just a jolt of energy every time he plays, and the Bucks will need him while Giannis is out. Milwaukee can't afford passengers in the rotation right now—they need guys who hustle, make plays, and don't hurt them on either end. Jackson checks all those boxes while Harris just exists out there collecting minutes.
The defensive numbers from last season prove Jackson deserves rotation minutes. When Andre Jackson was the primary defender on forwards last season, they were limited to just 34-of-86 on field goals, or 39.5 percent efficiency, according to matchup data on NBA.com/stats.
That's elite perimeter defense, the exact thing Milwaukee keeps claiming they need while benching the guy who provides it. Jackson can guard multiple positions, switch onto wings without getting destroyed, and create deflections that turn into transition opportunities.
The loss to Detroit stings, but Rivers stumbling into the right rotation decision matters more long-term. Hopefully this is a sign that Rivers still sees Jackson as someone who can contribute. If Jackson can maintain this level of production, he's not giving those minutes back to anyone.
Harris had his chance and surprised all his doubters who counted him out as yet another washed veteran living off reputation. With Giannis Antetokounmpo back and healthy, there's absolutely still a role for Harris on this team. But Jackson just reminded everyone he's been the answer to all of Milwaukee's problems sitting on the bench this whole time.
Sometimes it takes desperation for coaches to make obvious moves. Giannis getting hurt forced Rivers' hand, and Jackson immediately justified the decision. That's how rotations should work: production earns minutes, not seniority or preseason expectations.
Harris' role is now in question. Jackson's not letting it go without a fight.