NBA insider reveals the disrespect faced by the Bucks’ $6.3 million guard
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a transitional phase after the departure of Damian Lillard, placing a lot more attention—and pressure—on their supporting cast. One name suddenly under the NBA spotlight is AJ Green, the Bucks’ $6.3 million guard, who some experts argue has been flying under the radar for much too long.
Raising Eyebrows: Why Isn’t AJ Green Getting His Respect?
Despite putting up impressive numbers as a shooter, AJ Green just isn’t getting the league-wide respect his performance seems to warrant. According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, Green is not only overlooked but actively disrespected when it comes to his role and potential impact in Milwaukee. Favale points out that Green has established himself as one of the league’s most accurate shooters through his first three seasons—yet, he’s rarely discussed beyond his three-point threat status.
The Numbers: Accuracy That Can’t Be Ignored
Green’s stats tell a clear story: he’s a career 42.7% shooter from beyond the arc. An overwhelming 85% of his shots have come from three-point territory. Last season with the Bucks, Green averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. With Lillard gone and Milwaukee facing a serious lack of backcourt depth, the need to get Green on the floor more—and let him take more shots—looks pressing.
Expert Perspectives: More Than Just a Spot-Up Shooter
“AJ Green has merely flown under the radar for longer, establishing himself as one of the most accurate and, by extension, underused shooters through his first three seasons,” writes Favale. He suggests that the Bucks should expand Green’s role beyond just catching and shooting threes. If Green can develop his offensive arsenal—especially by incorporating drives with shot fakes—he could become a much bigger threat to opposing defenses.
Scenario for Next Season: A Guard in Demand
The Bucks’ current roster has its own challenges. With Lillard gone, Giannis Antetokounmpo stands out as the team’s best playmaker, but Milwaukee still lacks a true facilitator to set up Green for even more open looks. Green is not known for his ball-handling, so for him to truly thrive, the Bucks must figure out how to integrate his shooting more regularly into their game plan—and ensure someone can reliably get him the ball in prime scoring spots.
Diverse Views: Underappreciation or Strategic Choice?
Some argue that Green’s limited use is a reflection of tactical choices rather than league-wide disrespect. Others say his extraordinary efficiency from deep should earn him more minutes, especially as Milwaukee reshapes its identity following a major roster shakeup.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes for Green and the Bucks
As attention shifts to the Bucks’ bench and role players, AJ Green stands at a crossroads. With numbers that rival some of the league’s elite shooters, but a reputation that lags far behind, the coming season could be his best chance to step out of the shadows. Whether the Bucks lean into his skill set or continue to limit his opportunities will say much about their vision for the future—and how seriously the league takes hidden gems like AJ Green.
Source: www.si.com