NBA Summer League is just around the corner, and the Milwaukee Bucks roster contains a few surprise names that haven't proved themselves just yet. Andre Jackson Jr. is especially an intriguing addition, suggesting the coaching staff still needs to see more from him.
It tends to be rookies and sophomore players, along with those trying to earn a spot on an NBA or G League roster, who participate in Summer League. It is a real surprise to see the two names from the Bucks' 2023 draft class taking part in Las Vegas, with Chris Livingston also named, despite news of him being waived by the Bucks.
Jackson, Livingston headline a Bucks roster of players fighting for spots
Jackson isn't safe just yet, with his contract for the upcoming season not fully guaranteed. He featured in 67 games for the Bucks last season, averaging just 3.4 points per game in 14.6 minutes. After the Bucks' slow start, Jackson helped turn the tide when he slotted into the starting lineup alongside Damian Lillard, bringing elite defense to the backcourt. However, his lack of offensive development led to him being reduced to garbage time minutes later in the season.
Tyler Smith has also been named after a solid season with the Wisconsin Herd, and he will be hoping to earn more than the 23 NBA appearances he got in his rookie season. Competition in the frontcourt will come from rogue draft pick Bogoljub Markovic, giving Bucks fans their first chance to see the Serbian play in the U.S.
Two-way players Jamaree Bouyea and Pete Nance have made the roster, along with a new addition in Mark Sears, who will offer an experienced backcourt presence.
A name that stands out and has been linked with the Bucks before is former Timberwolves forward Keita Bates-Diop. The 29-year-old spent six seasons in the NBA before joining the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association. He is now fighting for a spot back in the NBA, and the Bucks' wing depth does look light at the moment.
20 players have been selected for the roster, with the bulk coming in the backcourt. With the Bucks still having spots open for guards, an impressive Summer League could see some of these names in contention.
Bucks Summer League Roster
Guards: Jean-Jacques Boissy (Al Ahli Tripoli - BAL), Jamaree Bouyea (Milwaukee Bucks), Gary Chivichyan (Homenetmen Beirut), Terrance Edwards Jr. (Louisville), Frankie Fidler (Michigan State), Andre Jackson Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks), Markquis Nowell (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), Cormac Ryan (Oklahoma City Blue), Mark Sears (Milwaukee Bucks), Wade Taylor IV (Texas A&M), Blaise Threatt (Weber State)
Forwards: Keita Bates-Diop (Qingdao Eagles - CBA), Rob Disibio (Moncada Energy Agrigento), David Joplin (Marquette), Chris Livingston (Milwaukee Bucks), Bogoljub Markovic (Milwaukee Bucks), Pete Nance (Milwaukee Bucks), Tyler Smith (Milwaukee Bucks
Centers: John Butler Jr. (Wisconsin Herd), Malik Williams (Sioux Falls Sky Force)
The Bucks roster will be led by head coaches Jason Love and Spencer Rivers. Assistants include Jack Herum, Donovan Ham, Drew Edwards, Michael Fallone, Jacob Herrs, Vinnie McGhee, and Souleyman Diabate.
Bucks Summer League Schedule
Thursday, July 10 - vs Denver, 8:30 p.m., NBA TV
Saturday, July 12 - vs Cleveland, 2:30 p.m., NBA TV
Sunday, July 13 - at LA Clippers, 8:30 p.m., NBA TV
Wednesday, July 16 - at Chicago, 4:30 p.m., ESPN2