Preseason losses to Pistons and Lakers show Bucks still have 1 major question mark

Ahead of the 2024-25 season, getting more youth involved in their plans has been a key objective for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Yet, for months, the primary question has revolved around which young player(s) will be hand-picked to leap into Doc Rivers' rotation. The preseason would offer all of them an opportunity to showcase why they deserve to be in the mix, but two games in, none of the players have made a standout case as to why they should be a rotation staple.

The young Bucks are having a rough preseason

Two games is a small sample size to judge, sure, but many thought the young Milwaukee Bucks would be performing better than this.

AJ Green, who Rivers has raved about lately, has averaged three points on a sluggish 22.2 percent shooting from deep in 17.6 minutes. Andre Jackson Jr., another prime breakout candidate, has not lived up to those expectations, putting up two points, two turnovers and a foul while shooting just 18.2 percent from the floor in 13.4 minutes per game.

Those are the two Bucks many would have wagered the most money on breaking into the rotation, and they still can, but they have not provided much optimism in the preseason. For Green, he must find his stroke from 3-point range about all else. For Jackson, he must settle down, as the erratic play that limited his minutes last season has been on display in the NBA Preseason.

Elsewhere, there is MarJon Beauchamp and Chris Livingston, two players who are thought to be dark horse X-factors to crack the rotation. Both are averaging fewer than three points per contest while hitting fewer than 30 percent of their shots from the floor. Beauchamp has shown growth as a rebounder and passer, but he has to dial in offensively to truly make his mark.

Out of all of the young Milwaukee Bucks, one could argue that the two rookies have flashed the most promise thus far. AJ Johnson is averaging the fifth-most points on the team through two games with 7.5, shooting 50 percent from deep. Tyler Smith is still looking for his perimeter shot - currently has hit just 28.6 percent in the preseason - but he's made an impact as a rebounder and pesky defender.

After a strong outing in Milwaukee's recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, AJ Johnson appears to be the most impressive young player. Yet, could a 19-year-old truly break into this veteran rotation? While it once seemed unfathomable, if Johnson can keep up this strong play, it's possible Rivers may have to give him the nod off the bench.

Luckily for everyone, there are several preseason games left to be played, and any of these players can stamp their spot in the rotation with strong play moving forward.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.