When the Milwaukee Bucks selected AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft, the reactions ranged from skepticism to outright confusion.
It was understandable since the win-now Bucks essentially took on two long-term projects instead of players who were ready to contribute right away, many of whom were still available when the selections were made.
On paper, these picks didn’t scream “surefire contributors” for a team chasing another championship. But as the season progresses, the Bucks’ vision for these rookies is becoming clearer—and it’s far more intriguing than anyone anticipated, even if they're almost certainly not going to carve out roles in the pecking order anytime soon.
Through 18 games and 27.9 minutes per contest in the G-League, Johnson is averaging 14.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, proving he's more than capable of stuffing the stat sheet in more ways than one. He's shown he can use his size and his quickness to change the complexion of games, even if he's also putting up over three turnovers a night.
Meanwhile, Smith is at 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His shooting still hasn't translated thus far, but he's been turning heads with his athleticism lately and putting his verticality to good use whether it's on the offensive glass or finishing at the rim.
Milwaukee's rookies have roles waiting for them if they can capitalize
AJ Johnson came into the league with the Milwaukee Bucks with a reputation as a wiry playmaker who could push the tempo and make life easier for his teammates. But his game has proven to be much more versatile than initially thought.
In the G-League, Johnson’s playmaking has been as advertised, but what’s really catching the eye is his instincts and shot-making ability. At 6-foot-5, his length and quickness allow him to disrupt passing lanes and stay in front of guards, while his offensive contributions are steadily expanding. From hitting pull-up threes to slashing through the lane with confidence, Johnson has showcased a skill set that screams “connector piece” in the Milwaukee Bucks’ system.
He’s also been experimenting as a secondary ball-handler in lineups that mirror Milwaukee’s core. With Johnson on the floor, the Wisconsin Herd has been able to push the pace and maintain offensive flow, a dynamic that has been missing in the Milwaukee Bucks' main bench unit for stretches of this season.
When Tyler Smith was drafted, the initial expectation was straightforward: he’d be a stretch big who could space the floor. Smith was billed as someone who could knock down open threes and provide spacing around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. But the G-League has revealed a much more athletic and dynamic version of Smith than anyone anticipated.
Smith’s athleticism has been the real surprise. While his 3-point shooting hasn’t been consistent, he’s been able to use his speed and explosiveness to make plays in transition and finish above the rim. This added dimension not only makes him more than a one-dimensional shooter but also opens up opportunities for him to become a versatile piece in the Milwaukee Bucks’ system.
On the defensive end, Smith’s quickness has allowed him to guard smaller players on switches every now and then, and his improving timing on contesting shots in the paint hints at untapped potential as a rim protector. If he continues to round out his game, Smith could be more than just a stretch big—he could be a legitimate two-way contributor.
What’s fascinating about Johnson and Smith isn’t just their potential but how their emerging roles complement the Bucks’ overall strategy. Milwaukee has long relied on its star power, but finding young, athletic contributors who can fill gaps around Giannis and Lillard is crucial for sustaining long-term success.
The Bucks clearly see Johnson as someone who can inject energy into their second unit while providing defensive versatility. His ability to facilitate and create off the dribble adds another layer to Milwaukee’s offensive attack, especially in lineups that lack a traditional point guard.
Smith, meanwhile, could become a high-energy, floor-spacing forward who can toggle between multiple positions. His athleticism and hustle already make him an intriguing piece, but if his shooting stabilizes, he could be a seamless fit alongside Milwaukee’s stars.
The draft-night reactions to Johnson and Smith might have been lukewarm, but it’s becoming clear that the Bucks had a plan all along. This isn’t about raw potential anymore—it’s about clearly defined roles that could have a tangible impact on the court.
Both rookies still have plenty of growing to do, but the foundation is there. Johnson’s versatility and Smith’s athleticism are already standing out, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ commitment to their development is paying dividends in the G-League.
If Milwaukee can successfully integrate these two into their rotation after a year or two, they’ll not only silence the draft-day doubters but also add crucial depth to a team that’s already aiming for a deep playoff run. The vision for the Milwaukee Bucks’ rookies is finally coming into focus, and it’s an exciting glimpse into the team’s future.
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