The Milwaukee Bucks are a team built to win, but it did not feel like that for some fans after the first day of the NBA 2024 draft when the team selected AJ Johnson, a 19-year-old who last played in Australia's NBL.
This prompted fans to think that the front office wasted an opportunity to make the team more competitive and surround their stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, with players who could play valuable minutes.
General manager Jon Horst, who pulled off major trades leading to their first 2021 NBA title, came under fire for the choice.
While the criticisms were warranted, Horst insisted that he was not trying to derail their championship window by trying to go young.
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Speaking to reporters, he said that they are still looking for ways to get better aside from the draft.
"We want to always look to improve our talent at the top," he said.
"We're exploring ways to do that. There are and there will be opportunities to do that."
Show me something Jon. They all doubting you rn. pic.twitter.com/fO5XA0wZrF
— Opp Pack Giannis (@OppPackGiannis) June 27, 2024
AJ Johnson is not a wasted pick
Many Bucks fans are not keen on AJ Johnson because of his unproductive stint in the NBL, during which he averaged just below 3 points per game.
Horst feels differently and is confident about him. He believed the 19-year-old had great upside, which showed during the draft combine.
He also banked on the player's experience against pros that will make him an asset in 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 explained.
"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 plays the point guard position, is an American prospect who hails from California. He played senior high school at the Southern California Academy.
He was supposed to play college ball in America after committing to the University of Texas, but he had a change of heart and decided to play professionally in the NBL instead.
Johnson is not the first high school player to play pro overseas. Other players who did it and found success are LaMelo Ball and former Bucks Brandon Jennings.
His stint was not as productive, though. He only averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.7 minutes in 26 games.
While his NBL stint was not impressive, many scouts were impressed with Johnson during the NBA Combine.
He was described as a quick guard who can be a great two-way player if given time to develop.
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