Doc Rivers praises Bucks youngster, setting the stage for an increased role

The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off Media Day on Monday, and, of course, one of the questions had to do with the young players.

It's clear that the veteran-oriented Bucks need to implement youth into the fold this coming season, and Doc Rivers let it be known that the young players have caught his eye over the past few months, especially third-year wing AJ Green.

"I think AJ Green had an amazing summer. You didn't see him much, but we did. I thought he had an amazing summer."

AJ Green could cement his spot in the Milwaukee Bucks' rotation

There's a lot to like about what AJ Green could do for this Milwaukee team. First and foremost, he's a tremendous perimeter shooter and one of the best on the entire roster. Having another floor-spacing threat capable of aiding Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton will always be a needed boost on offense.

Defensively, Green knows he will have to perform well to stick on the court. Last season, he showed potential in that regard, utilizing his sturdy 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame to stay with his opponents on a game-by-game basis. The Milwaukee Bucks need him to build off of that and develop into a reliable defensive piece while also providing the sweet shooting on the other side of the basketball court.

Green doesn't possess the mind-bending athleticism that other young players looking to crack the rotation, such as Andre Jackson Jr. or Chris Livingston, which is among the top reasons fans want to see more youth involved, but that doesn't mean he cannot help this Milwaukee team.

It all starts with AJ Green making his presence felt in training camp. If he is acing drills and performing well in scrimmages against his teammates, it will certainly catch Rivers' eye and stick in his mind when he's thinking about his rotations. Last season, Green was clearly the young player that Rivers trusted the most, and it seems like that might not change entering this season.

Green, undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 2022, could end up being one of the better hidden gem finds for the Milwaukee Bucks in recent memory if he works his way into the rotation this coming season. Time will tell, but the recently-turned 25-year-old has a golden opportunity ahead of him, and it will be up to him to make the most out of his. His coach clearly believes he can.

It'll be fascinating to see how that work Green put in over the summer translates to the court.

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