Since winning their season-opener, which seems like an eternity ago, the Milwaukee Bucks have lost six games in a row.
Sensing that his team may need a jolt, Doc Rivers is reportedly making a sizeable change to his first five in the lineup. Per senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Andre Jackson Jr. will be Milwaukee's starting two guard in Thursday's crucial matchup against the Utah Jazz, sending the slumping Gary Trent Jr. to the second unit.
Doc Rivers is mixing things up early for the Milwaukee Bucks
Given how both players have performed to start the season, the change makes sense, even if some think it's too early.
For Trent, he was expected to be a two-way threat in the backcourt, providing the Milwaukee Bucks excellent shooting from deep while playing tough defense on the other end. However, he hasn't done either of those quite yet, shooting 23.1 percent from deep while players are shooting 50.6 percent in situations where Trent is their primary defender.
Meanwhile, Rivers has turned to Jackson more and more lately, and he hasn't disappointed. Not only has the wing been one of Milwaukee's best defenders statistically, but the hustle he has brought to the basketball court has been needed. His tenacious rebounding and solid passing ability can bring a needed boost to what is an older starting five.
Jackson's scoring and shooting are still works in progress, but in the starting five, they won't ask him to put points on the board too much - though the occasional three will be needed. Instead, his main task will be doing all of the little things to make life easier for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and the rest of the starters.
Jackson, who has already been showing signs of a potential breakout, will now have an opportunity to show what he's made of in a larger role.
Regarding Trent, being demoted is never a good thing. However, his poor shooting and tough start on defense made it difficult for him to make an impact. Coming off the bench could offer Trent a change of scenery that could perhaps fuel a turnaround. Milwaukee's bench has been struggling to put points on the board, so if Trent can start getting his shot to drop, this could be a nice chess move by Rivers.
It's welcoming to see Rivers make adjustments rather than just simply go down with the ship, and if the Milwaukee Bucks can defeat the Jazz, this tweak may become permanent very quickly. Fans have been asking for more of Andre Jackson Jr., and their wish has been granted.
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