(Photo : Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AJ Johnson celebrates after being drafted twenty third total by the Milwaukee Bucks through the first spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 within the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
The Milwaukee Bucks are a workforce constructed to win, nevertheless it didn’t really feel like that for some followers after the primary day of the NBA 2024 draft when the workforce chosen AJ Johnson, a 19-year-old who final performed in Australia’s NBL.
This prompted followers to suppose that the entrance workplace wasted a possibility to make the workforce extra aggressive and encompass their stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, with gamers who may play precious minutes.
General supervisor Jon Horst, who pulled off main trades resulting in their first 2021 NBA title, got here below hearth for the selection.
While the criticisms have been warranted, Horst insisted that he was not making an attempt to derail their championship window by making an attempt to go younger.
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Speaking to reporters, he stated that they’re nonetheless searching for methods to get higher other than the draft.
“We want to always look to improve our talent at the top,” he stated.
“We’re exploring ways to do that. There are and there will be opportunities to do that.”
Show me one thing Jon. They all doubting you rn. pic.twitter.com/fO5XA0wZrF
— Opp Pack Giannis (@OppPackGiannis) June 27, 2024
AJ Johnson isn’t a wasted decide
Many Bucks followers will not be eager on AJ Johnson due to his unproductive stint within the NBL, throughout which he averaged just under 3 factors per sport.
Horst feels in a different way and is assured about him. He believed the 19-year-old had nice upside, which confirmed through the draft mix.
He additionally banked on the participant’s expertise in opposition to professionals that can make him an asset within the NBA.
“Although he didn’t play a lot last year in a really competitive NBL in Australia, he grew a lot. Physically, he grew a lot. Mentally, he grew a lot,” he defined.
“You could see improvements as you studied film and watched him. Then having the opportunity to spend time with him during the Draft combine process. We’re really excited about AJ. When he plays and how quickly he develops, how quickly he earns his opportunities, to be determined.”
Who is AJ Johnson?
AJ Johnson, who stands 6’5 and performs the purpose guard place, is an American prospect who hails from California. He performed senior highschool on the Southern California Academy.
He was speculated to play faculty ball in America after committing to the University of Texas, however he had a change of coronary heart and determined to play professionally within the NBL as a substitute.
Johnson isn’t the primary highschool participant to play professional abroad. Other gamers who did it and located success are LaMelo Ball and former Bucks Brandon Jennings.
His stint was not as productive, although. He solely averaged 2.9 factors and 1.3 rebounds in 7.7 minutes in 26 video games.
While his NBL stint was not spectacular, many scouts have been impressed with Johnson through the NBA Combine.
He was described as a fast guard who generally is a nice two-way participant if given time to develop.
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