In a surprising move aimed at snapping their six-game losing streak, the Milwaukee Bucks have shaken up their starting lineup, benching veteran shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. in favor of rookie sensation Andrew Jackson. The bold decision by head coach Doc Rivers sends a clear message: no one’s spot is safe on this struggling Bucks squad.
A Promising Rookie Steps Up
Andrew Jackson, who turns just 23 years old next week, has seen his minutes steadily increase since the start of the season. From playing a mere minute of garbage time in the first two games to logging a season-high 24:55 on Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jackson’s impact has been undeniable. Coach Rivers explained the decision to start the young wing:
We keep looking for that position just to be a good role player. [We want Andre to] just be an athlete. Be quick to the ball. Defend, understand your role.
Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach
While Rivers didn’t commit to the lineup change long-term, it’s clear the Bucks are hoping Jackson’s athleticism and energy can provide a much-needed spark to a team that has stumbled out of the gates with a dismal 1-6 record.
Trent Jr.’s Early Struggles
For Gary Trent Jr., the benching comes amidst a brutal start to the season. After signing a veteran minimum deal with Milwaukee this offseason, the 30-year-old shooting guard has struggled mightily, shooting just 28% from the field and 23% from beyond the arc through seven games. Rivers hopes the move to the bench will take some pressure off Trent and help him rediscover his stroke.
I’m just trying to give him room to breathe. And get out of his little thing because I know he will.
Doc Rivers on benching Gary Trent Jr.
Trent Jr.’s track record suggests he’s capable of much more. Last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 12.4 points per game while shooting a respectable 37% from three-point range. The Bucks are hoping a move to the second unit, where he’ll likely have more opportunity to handle the ball and create his own shot, will help Trent Jr. break out of his early-season funk.
Antetokounmpo Returns, But Will It Be Enough?
In a welcome bit of good news for Milwaukee, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz after missing Monday’s contest with a right adductor strain. The two-time MVP’s presence is a sight for sore eyes on a Bucks team that has looked lost without him, but it remains to be seen if his return and Jackson’s insertion into the starting lineup will be enough to right the ship.
Heading into Thursday night, Milwaukee found themselves tied for the league’s worst record at 1-6, along with the rebuilding Jazz and the similarly disappointing Philadelphia 76ers. For a team with championship aspirations, it’s been a nightmarish start. The Bucks hope shaking up the starting lineup will provide a desperately needed spark.
The Road Ahead
The Bucks’ upcoming schedule won’t do them any favors as they look to snap out of their early-season malaise. Their next five games are a murderer’s row:
- vs Utah Jazz (11/7)
- @ Boston Celtics (11/9)
- @ Brooklyn Nets (11/11)
- vs Atlanta Hawks (11/13)
- @ Cleveland Cavaliers (11/15)
For Milwaukee to turn things around, they’ll need more than just a lineup change. Giannis Antetokounmpo must regain his MVP form, Khris Middleton needs to rediscover his shooting stroke, and the rest of the rotation will have to step up around them. With talent up and down the roster, there’s no reason the Bucks can’t flip the script on their season. But in the ultra-competitive East, they’d better hurry – or risk falling into a hole too deep to climb out of.
All eyes will be on Andrew Jackson tonight as he makes his first career NBA start. Can the rookie sensation energize a slumping Bucks squad? Coach Doc Rivers and Milwaukee fans around the globe certainly hope so. Stay tuned as this roller coaster of a season continues to unfold.
