Things are not looking promising for Andre Jackson Jr., whose guarantee date for his contract was pushed back earlier in the offseason. As I wrote in an upcoming story I collaborated on with our Finn Kuehl, Jackson is getting to a point of becoming an offensive dead end. We know the defensive ability is special, but it is so just so challenging to have him out there on offence that it’s almost not worth it (despite what his efficiency on extremely low volume may tell you).
It’s hard because of the
sinking feeling fans will collectively feel if (if, if, if) Andre ever learns how to be additive on offence. If that happens, he instantly becomes a very handy player; it says a lot that this belief is widely held, and yet his offence is so limited that he managed to drop four spots in Brew Hoop’s RTR series since last year.
Honestly, I’m not too sure how much more analysis is needed here. Jackson would be an odds-on favourite to be cut before the season starts due to the Bucks signing Thanasis once again, so will he even get a chance to show improvement? If he does, the equation is simple: become playable offensively. If that happens, he should not only make the team but also be a key part of it. It’s not as if the Bucks don’t need guys to play that exact role.
The other part that sucks for fans is that AJax is one of the most likable players to walk through the organisation’s doors. The guy brings his hard hat to work each day and is the ultimate teammate. I’d love to see Andre find a place somewhere, even if that isn’t in Milwaukee. OK, poll time!
