Milwaukee Bucks trade up in NBA Draft, select unique Andre Jackson Jr.
Heading into Thursday night, the Milwaukee Bucks were rumored to be trying to trade up into the end of the first round or beginning of the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, and that’s exactly what they did. They pulled off a deal with the Orlando Magic to acquire the 36th overall pick, selecting Andre Jackson Jr.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Milwaukee was acquiring the 36th selection from Orlando. It was later revealed the Magic received a 2030 second-round pick and cash considerations as part of the deal. As the NBA goes with draft-day trades, the deal isn’t official yet.
The Milwaukee Bucks are acquiring No. 36 in a deal with the Orlando Magic, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2023
The Milwaukee Bucks found a way to trade up in the NBA Draft, selecting unique prospect Andre Jackson Jr.
Milwaukee used the selection to draft the unique Andre Jackson Jr. out of the University of Connecticut. In three collegiate years, he averaged 6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. However, those numbers jumped to 6.7/6.2/4.7 in his final year as he helped them win the National Championship.
To say the least, Jackson is a unique prospect. His box score stats don’t ignite traditional excitement in fans. The good news is his game is a lot deeper than surface-level stats.
He’s a brilliant basketball player. His on-the-court I.Q. is off the charts, allowing him to process the game quickly. This will enable him to make quick decisions that gives his team the best chance to win every possession.
At 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he also brings incredible athleticism to the table. He can rise over the defense and beat them above the rim. He’s in great shape as well, never giving up on any play.
His defensive versatility is another strength. He has the size and athleticism to defend multiple positions. Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst said after the draft he thinks Jackson can guard “one through four” in the NBA.
Horst said he thinks it's possible for Jackson to be able to guard "one through four" in the NBA.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) June 23, 2023
His biggest weakness is his lack of shooting. He only made 28.1 percent of his 2.5 three-point attempts last season and was a 64.6 percent free throw shooter.
The good news is he combats that in other ways. His intelligence to see the game on a different level allows him to cut and use off-ball movements to take advantage of the defense when they are sagging off him. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie said Jackson reminds him of Gary Payton II or Bruce Brown if he can improve his shot.
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Overall, this was a gamble on a player who doesn’t clearly fit on the court alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee will have to find other ways to space the floor and provide shooting if they play together. It’s a different way of looking at the game, and we’ll see if he can have an impact early in his career.