Doc Rivers' undeniable track record could change narrative about Bucks rookie

In the Milwaukee Bucks' final exhibition matchup of the postseason against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Doc Rivers decided to start his bench lineup in order to allow the starters to rest and give the young Bucks precious developmental minutes.

Instead of primarily playing the more established of the herd's youngsters, Rivers started the rookies in AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith, with the former going on to play all but 15 minutes of the matchup.

Johnson converted on none of his 11 shot attempts.

Just like that, the media and fan sentiment on the 19-year-old rookie swung back as easily as it surged upward. Never mind that his speed and playmaking led to eight assists. All over again, the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was reduced to a project pick who had scored just 2.9 points per game in the Australian NBL. He was a "bum" and a waste of a pick, they said just days after calling him the next great point guard for Wisconsin. Such is the nature of social media, after all.

One thing missing in the thought process, though, is that Doc Rivers' undeniable track record could change the narrative surrounding Johnson, who may have just run into a bit of a rough patch as of late after the equally undeniable flashes of potential he had already shown up to that point.

Known for his tough-love approach, Rivers has a history of molding young guards into stars, which may present a promising opportunity for his clear favorite among the younger Bucks in AJ Johnson.

In an insightful moment during his media availability after a preseason loss to the Lakers, Rivers acknowledged his demanding nature with young point guards, hinting at the high standards he sets for those in leadership roles on the court.

"I was a point guard, and that's probably not great for AJ. [Rajon] Rondo can attest to that: I'm not easy on point guards. Because they run the team. They do."

Doc Rivers' developmental track record is good for Bucks rookie

Rivers has often faced criticism for not giving ample playing time to young players. Yet, his coaching history tells a different story. Under his guidance, players like Rajon Rondo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey transformed into impactful contributors, all sharing a commonality: they are guards. This trend raises expectations for Johnson, a rookie point guard stepping into a franchise with championship aspirations.

Rondo was initially seen as a raw talent, but Rivers’ insistence on discipline and accountability transformed him into a floor general who could dictate the pace and flow of the game. Rondo's development included not just improving his shooting but also honing his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure.

Rivers’ approach was simple yet effective: he challenged Rondo to take ownership of the team, fostering a sense of responsibility that ultimately led to championship success in 2008. Years later, Rondo has now gone on to join his former coach in Milwaukee.

Another example is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who emerged as a key player under Rivers during his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. Initially drafted as a project, Gilgeous-Alexander flourished in Rivers' system, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. Rivers provided him with opportunities to lead the second unit, allowing him to gain invaluable experience against NBA competition. This trust paid off; Gilgeous-Alexander has since developed into one of the league's premier guards, demonstrating that Rivers' guidance can yield long-term benefits.

Tyrese Maxey is perhaps the most recent testament to Rivers' coaching prowess. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, Maxey quickly became a fan favorite due to his explosive playstyle and work ethic. Rivers recognized Maxey’s potential early on and integrated him into the rotation, allowing him to flourish alongside established stars like Joel Embiid.

Under Rivers' mentorship, Maxey has not only improved his scoring but also developed as a playmaker and defender—skills that are crucial for any guard in today’s NBA.

The path ahead for AJ Johnson is set — but it all depends on him now

Despite skepticism about Johnson's immediate playing time due to Rivers' preference for veteran talent, there is potential for early integration into the Milwaukee Bucks' system.

He's already put up solid performances in the preseason while his older counterparts on the bench fumbled their opportunities. The team’s focus on winning now could paradoxically benefit Johnson's development. Rivers may utilize him in specific situations to accelerate his growth, particularly as he learns from established stars like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Rivers' history suggests that he thrives on pushing young guards beyond their limits. His tough-love approach may initially seem daunting for Johnson. However, it could ultimately accelerate his growth trajectory in ways that benefit both the player and the team.

As AJ Johnson looks to build off an up-and-down preseason, fans will be watching closely—not just for individual performances but for signs that he is on the path to becoming another success story under Doc Rivers’ watchful eye.

While it’s likely that Johnson will spend time with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee’s G-League affiliate, this experience should not be viewed as a setback. Instead, it offers him crucial game reps against competitive talent, allowing him to refine his skills in a less pressurized environment. The G-League can serve as a proving ground where he can experiment and grow without the immediate stakes of NBA games.

Given his track record, it's not exactly a stretch that Rivers’ coaching style could potentially ignite Johnson’s potential sooner than expected. The rigorous training and high expectations might push him to adapt quickly, making him an asset earlier in the season than many anticipate.

AJ Johnson's journey with the Milwaukee Bucks under Doc Rivers could redefine narratives about both the rookie and his coach. With Rivers' history of developing young guards and his commitment to fostering talent through tough love, Johnson stands at the cusp of an exciting opportunity.

If Rivers can harness Johnson's potential effectively, fans may soon witness another success story unfold in Milwaukee.

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