Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin had a few options in terms of replacing Giannis Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup against the Toronto Raptors. This was after the former Defensive Player of the Year was ruled out for Wednesday’s clash due to a calf injury.
As it turns out, however, Coach Griff has decided to turn to rookie Andre Jackson Jr.
Andre Jackson Jr. Gets First Start for Milwaukee Bucks
Jackson has been making quite a lot of noise of late. After Jae Crowder went down with a significant injury, the rookie is now expected to be one of the players who will be filling the void Crowder left amid his two-month injury spell.
Jackson responded with a nice game against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, which has now resulted in Griffin rewarding the 22-year-old with his first career start:
Tonight's starters in Toronto.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/pmy7veIBnz
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 16, 2023
He obviously won’t be replacing what Giannis brings to the table for the Bucks, but Jackson could turn a lot of heads against the Raptors.
Bucks Fans Are Hyped
There has recently been a lot of buzz surrounding Jackson. The fans seem to love the energy and the tenacity he brings to the court whenever he gets a chance to play. As such, it isn’t surprising that the supporters are loving Coach Griffin’s decision to give Jackson an opportunity to show what he can do with the starting unit:
AJAX STARTING LFG
— Dev (@xDevhs) November 16, 2023
WE UP!!!!! AJJJ MINUTESSSS🤩🤩🤩🤩
— sbcgangie (@ack432) November 16, 2023
AJJ should always start remove Beasley tbh they would work way better then
— Giannis AntetoGOAT (@GAntetoGOAT) November 16, 2023
Never thought I would see this day happening🥹 pic.twitter.com/D9YFdsp4a5
— Justin (@JfromMKE) November 16, 2023
We all tryna see somn. This kid is special. Basketball IQ off the charts. Unleash him.
— 'Wale (@RapCeee) November 16, 2023
ANDRE STARTING IS A BIG W
— ManolisJuice🦌 (@ManolisJuice) November 16, 2023
YESSIR ANDRE!!!!!!! Lets gooooo!
— King of Pancakes (@KingOPancakes) November 16, 2023
Jackson will be joining usual starters Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez on Wednesday. Needless to say, this is going to be a huge game for the highly-promising youngster.
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1 Comment
That’s quite a small ball line up to start. He may replace Giannis’ defensive energy and intensity, but it may not be enough against that long and talented front court for the Rapts (lucky OG and Dennis are out).
He will have to avoid the foul trouble he’s sometimes had, but I think expectations should be kept low.