MILWAUKEE — At 6-foot-4, 160 pounds and 19 years old, AJ Johnson is one of the NBA’s most intriguing prospects because of his speed, athleticism and dribbling ability. But any expectations for Johnson must be tempered by Milwaukee’s veteran-heavy approach to getting back into title contention.
His body of work – both the stats and his actual physique – suggests that Johnson will initially be a development project.
In 2023-24, Johnson played in Australasia with the Llawarra Hawks, averaging 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 7.7 minutes in 26 appearances. The minimal production led most analysts to project Johnson as a second-round pick in the NBA draft.
Additionally, some worry that Johnson, with his lanky frame, will have a hard time adjusting to the NBA’s physicality. So the short answer is don’t expect too much.
The Las Vegas summer league was a microcosm of Johnson’s raw qualities, good and bad: 22 points and an explosion over defenders one night, then scoreless and 0 for 12.
“The problem with AJ is he’s 19, right?” Bucks summer league head coach Pete Dominguez said. The Athletic. “He handles the ball for us and he runs the show. Not only does he do that, he plays with guys that we’re trying to showcase here and that are probably going to be in our rotation next year. So that’s a ton for a 19-year-old.
“But honestly, I think he’s doing a great job. He’s going to have his ups and downs. I don’t think anyone thinks everything is going to go perfectly for him, but this is a huge growth opportunity for him.”
The Bucks are well-stocked at Johnson’s guard/wing position — Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, Khris Middleton, AJ Green, Pat Connaughton and Andre Jackson Jr. — which will leave limited opportunities for the rookie.
The Bucks had the oldest roster in the NBA last season and haven’t gotten much younger after signing free agents Prince (30), Trent Jr. (25) and Wright (32). Their primary goal is to win another NBA title.
Johnson, meanwhile, has a guaranteed contract this year and next to work on his craft.
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