The rookie has turned some heads in the offseason
In his rookie season, the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round selection AJ Johnson checks in at No. 13 in our Ranking the Roster series.
Coming out of seemingly nowhere at pick No. 23 in last June’s NBA Draft, Johnson has a bit of mystique tied to him. Many expected the Bucks to go elsewhere with their selection, especially with some of the names that were left on the board. However, as he typically does, Jon Horst turned some heads with his decision of Johnson, a very raw prospect out of Australia’s NBL. Nobody had Johnson mocked to the Bucks, let alone even going in the first round.
Given that he’s just 19 years-old and was the 13th youngest player in this year’s draft class, it’s shaping up to be a bit of an uphill climb for Johnson to get any meaningful minutes in his rookie campaign. We’re all aware that veterans run this Bucks team and will get the bulk of the action. Additionally, we’re all familiar with how Doc Rivers typically operates with rookies and makes them earn his trust before cracking the rotation.
However, when Summer League rolled around, Johnson turned some heads and dazzled. Averaging 22.2 minutes per contest, he racked up 11.2 points per game. He frequently discovered ways to exhibit his athleticism and get to the rack, which was something that scouts found as a positive for him:
AJ Johnson is a hooper He plays the game with creativity and flare. Has some of that J-Crossover to his game with the lanky build, quickness and flow. Hope he gets to rock out for the Bucks a bit as a rookie. pic.twitter.com/i4ut3NSqMS
— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) July 20, 2024
However, that wasn’t the only skill set that Bucks fans got a glimpse of from Johnson. He also pieced together some impressive shooting performances, including snapping a cold-streak and getting hot with the snap of a finger:
Given how little data we had on it, AJ Johnson’s 3pt shooting has been perhaps the biggest positive for me in Vegas (his speed translating is great but less surprising IMO). After a 2/9 debut he’s now 10/24 from deep (42%) on high volume (9.1 3FGA/36). pic.twitter.com/BrIA8vIrIP
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) July 20, 2024
The hype didn’t stop in Sin City. Following Summer League action, Johnson has been spotted in the gym with many NBA players, ranging from Kevin Durant, Evan Mobley, and more:
Some more footage of Bucks Rookie Aj Johnson cooking up in these runs, shoutout to SwishCultures. pic.twitter.com/RUVjhdkGW3
— Follow GiannisArchive (@giannisarchive) August 30, 2024
AJ johnson and marjon training with KD, chet, mobley, jalen green and garland
pic.twitter.com/XYGyItvhDv— (@GiannisWorld) August 29, 2024
Despite all the off-season gym videos, it’s still likely going to be difficult for the rookie to generate too many meaningful moments in his first year. However, I don’t think that he has to get meaningful time in order for his rookie campaign to be deemed a success. It’s clear that there’s talent there. It sort of reminds me of Giannis’ rookie season. Obviously, I’m not saying that he’s going to evolve into the caliber of player that Antetokounmpo is. I’m just drawing a parallel that Giannis was a raw, freakish athlete that was very unknown — but quickly turned eyes at Summer League. It sort of feels that Johnson started off a little bit on that same path.
I’m personally keeping my expectations low for Johnson. If he can show growth from the beginning of the season to the end, I think it’ll be good news for both himself and the Bucks. That’s not setting the bar too high, but also realizing the importance and reality of how Doc and others will look for him to transform throughout the grueling year. We all know about his scoring capability, but it’ll be worthwhile keeping an eye on how he progresses defensively as well.
You also have the transformation of his body. Right now, he’s skinny, yet freakishly athletic. Bulking up will be one of his main priorities throughout the season. We already know that he’s been spotted working out with Damian Lillard this offseason, which means he’s likely trained with others as well. Also, when you have Giannis on your team, you’re going to be pushed hard and learn a maximum worth ethic very quickly. It’ll also help going up against him in practice.
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Doc Rivers will tell us how he’s evolving — whether it be positively or negatively. He’s not afraid to speak his mind to the media in his postgame pressers. We’ve seen that not just in Milwaukee, but everywhere he’s coached. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to hear what he has to say about Johnson as the year progresses. Ever since he took over for the Bucks, both pregame and postgame availabilities have been much more fascinating to decipher.
Okay, let’s get into the polls. You all know the routine by this point. Let’s start with how you see the rookie panning out in the rotation during his first full season:
Next, it’s up to you to vote on who’s next in this drama-inducing series:
Stay tuned to Brew Hoop as this series continues to chug on. We’re inching closer and closer to the return of Milwaukee Bucks basketball.