Milwaukee Bucks: NBA Analyst Discusses AJ Johnson’s Role for thae 2024-2025 Season
The Milwaukee Bucks have had a perplexing 2024 NBA offseason, with moves that haven’t resonated well with fans. Their decision to draft AJ Johnson with the 23rd pick was particularly controversial, leading some to call for the firing of general manager Jon Horst.
On the second day of the NBA Draft, the Bucks selected Tyler Smith from the G-League with the 33rd pick, a choice that some fans preferred over the first-round pick. Additionally, the inability to trade Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, or Khris Middleton has added to the frustration.
Brook Lopez has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors, and while there might still be changes before the 2024-2025 NBA season begins, the current roster might remain unchanged. The team also added Delon Wright and Gary Trent Jr. as free agents.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, AJ Johnson is likely to spend the upcoming season in the NBA G-League. Wasserman noted:
“AJ Johnson averaged only 8.3 minutes per game in Australia and, at 19 years old and 167 pounds, he was drafted more for future potential than for immediate impact. Despite showing some promising skills at the NBA combine and summer league, Johnson’s current frame and decision-making make him unlikely to contribute consistently against NBA defenses this season.”
Many believe the Bucks should have selected a player who could have contributed right away, such as Terrence Shannon Jr., Tyler Kolek, or Johnny Furphy, instead of Johnson. The current pick might not align with the team’s immediate championship aspirations and could potentially impact Jon Horst’s future with the organization.
