Without both Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony, the Milwaukee Bucks had to look further down the bench for potential playmakers on Sunday in Cleveland. If fans learned anything, it's that Andre Jackson Jr. is clearly not the answer.
In his first real minutes this season, the third-year guard only reminded everyone why he isn't a regular member of the rotation. While his defense is legit, Jackson simply cannot find a way to contribute on the other end —a persistent flaw that was all too clear in his brief time on the court against the Cavaliers.
Lack of offense will keep Jackson planted on the bench
Becoming a two-way player would be Jackson's ticket to a rotation spot not only in Milwaukee but on plenty of other teams. He is that good defensively, and the league values players like him. In theory, Jackson is a nimble enough ball handler and passer to effectively run plays on offense, but those traits haven't translated in practice. Although he can knock down open looks, he doesn't get nearly enough attempts up to be useful as a 3-and-D player.
His one-sided skill set is why he occupies the back end of the Bucks' rotation, as the last player to make the 15-man roster. Prior to Sunday, Jackson had logged one minute and 42 seconds in garbage time. That's it. Versus Cleveland, the reason for his spare playing time was sorely apparent when Doc Rivers turned to him in the second quarter in search of a creative spark.
It's not that Jackson made obvious mistakes or played careless basketball. The issue is that he just didn't give the Bucks much of anything when they desperately needed something. In five minutes on the floor, his only box score stat was a steal.
Jackson can keep the ball moving within a possession or bring it up the court, but he has not proven himself capable of creating for himself or others. Against the Cavaliers, he did not look comfortable taking control, instead taking a few dribbles and handing the ball off to a teammate.
Missing two point guards plus Kyle Kuzma, the Bucks were hoping for more than that, but neither Jackson nor Mark Sears provided much in the way of capable minutes.
Rivers knows he can call on Jackson here and there as a plug-and-play guy for defensive purposes. In order to level up, he will have to show growth on the other end of the floor and expand his overall contributions. No matter how good his defense, he can't be a blank on offense. He's going to have a difficult time getting opportunities to prove himself if he doesn't give the team a reason to extend his leash when random chances arise.