Bucks rookie is starting to look like the real deal in the G-League

It’s early, but AJ Johnson is already giving Milwaukee Bucks fans something to get excited about.

Drafted 23rd overall back in June, the 20-year-old rookie is showing flashes of why the Bucks took a chance on him, delivering back-to-back strong performances for the Wisconsin Herd in their games against the Iowa Wolves on November 29 and 30.

In the first game, Johnson posted an impressive stat line of 10 points, five rebounds and six assists, showcasing his versatility. But it was the second game that really caught everyone’s attention, as he finished with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.

With young players like AJ Johnson, you tend to have to take the good with the bad. He was still a shot-creating, tempo-pushing wizard with the ball in his hands and was extremely aggressive in hunting for his shot. At the same time, he sometimes looked lost off the ball and on the defensive end, where he missed a few reads and fouled a 3-point shooter.

But ultimately, for a player still finding his way in professional basketball, these numbers are a promising sign of what’s to come. And if the young guard continues on this trajectory, he's still bound to be something for the Milwaukee Bucks eventually.

AJ Johnson isn't there yet, but he's showing a glimpse of what's possible

Johnson’s ability to impact the game in multiple areas is what stands out most. His scoring was efficient, his playmaking sharp and his defensive instincts disruptive, even if not the most composed. The stat lines might not jump off the page compared to NBA stars, but for a rookie in the G-League, they highlight a player who’s already grasping the pace and physicality of the professional game.

The 20-point performance on November 30 wasn’t just about numbers; it was how Johnson scored. He attacked the basket with confidence, knocked down shots from mid-range and even hit a 3-pointer, showing the beginnings of a well-rounded offensive game. Overall, he was crafty and engaged and showed exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks wanted from him with his speed and motor.

The Bucks have been searching for more youth, athleticism and versatility to complement their veteran-heavy roster. Johnson’s early performances suggest he could eventually fill that role. At 6-foot-5 with a wiry frame, he has the tools to be a solid defender and a secondary playmaker—two qualities that align perfectly with Milwaukee’s needs at the moment.

Defensively, Johnson’s three steals in the second game against Iowa highlighted his ability to read passing lanes and apply on-ball pressure. His instincts and energy on that end of the court could make him a valuable rotation player, especially for a Milwaukee Bucks team that has occasionally struggled to contain younger, faster opponents.

While these performances are encouraging, it’s worth remembering that Johnson is still a work in progress. His shot selection can improve, and he’ll need to adjust to the physicality and pace of the NBA game. But if his G-League outings are any indication, he has the drive and skill set to make those adjustments over time.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ developmental staff has a strong track record of turning raw talent into NBA-ready contributors, and AJ Johnson seems like the perfect candidate for that pipeline.

Two G-League games as a rookie don’t make a career in this association, of course, but AJ Johnson’s performances for the Wisconsin Herd offer the same tantalizing glimpse of his potential that fans were given during the Summer League and preseason contests.

At the end of the day, these only affirm what we already know: the young rookie is already showing that he belongs, with the kind of skill set that could help Milwaukee stay competitive in the future while also contributing sooner than expected.

At the very least, he's proven that he's worth giving a real shot, which will also have to mean time to get his rookie jitters out of the way before he becomes a helpful player for this team.

If Johnson can continue building on these performances, don’t be surprised to see him in a Bucks uniform in the regular season sooner rather than later. For now, he’s giving Milwaukee fans every reason to believe he might be the real deal, and with how well the main team's youth movement has been going, that's enough.

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