AJ Green simply hasn't been himself since the Milwaukee Bucks returned from the All-Star break, though the numbers may suggest different.
On paper, his numbers are actually pretty comparable. Prior to the break, he averaged 7.7 points on 42.7 percent 3-point shooting on five attempts per contest. After the break, he's at 7.4 points while knocking down 39.3 percent of his triple tries on 5.5 attempts per outing. Despite all of that, Green's play hasn't been up to par to when he looked like he was surely breaking out, and a big reason for that has been his play during Milwaukee's losing streak.
AJ Green's production lately has been brutal for Bucks' bench
During Milwaukee's last three games, losses to Orlando, Cleveland and Indiana, Green is averaging a measly 2.7 points while shooting 27.3 percent from the floor and a putrid 20 percent from downtown. Shooting 2-of-10 from deep, Green is currently tied with Kyle Kuzma, who has never been a shooter, for the worst percentage on the team among Bucks to attempt at least 10 triples in this span.
On top of this, he hasn't looked comfortable on the defensive end, averaging 2.3 fouls per matchup, the third most on the team during this streak. While the fouls were also there earlier this season, the wing showed much more fight on that side of things prior to the break, holding down his matchup and not giving up as many buckets or blow-bys to the hoop.
In 22.7 minutes per game, this type of production will not get it done under any circumstances.
AJ Green has shown he can be a key cog for this team. Earlier this season, he was among the NBA's best perimeter shooters, and his defense appeared to be on the rise to respectable. Lately, that has all vanished, and the Milwaukee Bucks need him to get back on track. With his two-way capabilities, Green has what it takes to elevate this bench to a new level.
Above all else, Green needs to start hitting his perimeter shots. While his recent numbers don't make it seem like it, he's an outside specialist before anything. Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Green will oftentimes find himself wide open. He hasn't been hitting those shots as of late, but if he keeps letting it fly, he has to sooner or later, one would hope.
If this lack of production continues, though, Doc Rivers may have to look elsewhere to inject some life into his wing rotation. Perhaps Andre Jackson Jr. could use another look. Or maybe Ryan Rollins, who was also having a breakout year before being benched for Kevin Porter Jr. For the time being, the ball is in Green's court, and it will be up to him to see where things go.
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