With NBA teams finalizing their rosters for the 2025-26 season opener, the Milwaukee Bucks faced key decisions regarding some of their recent draft picks. In order to trim down to 15 standard contracts, the Bucks chose to keep Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey, while cutting Tyler Smith, according to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel.
Andre Jackson Jr. not only made the final roster but also had his $2.2 million salary guaranteed for the upcoming season. Notably, Jackson is the only Bucks draft pick since Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2013 to remain on the team roster.
Tyler Smith, drafted by the Bucks with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is now out of the league after just one season. The Bucks also drafted AJ Johnson in 2024, but he was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of the Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton deal.
Andre Jackson Jr. was the No. 36 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and his role with the Bucks has evolved over the past couple of seasons. Under head coach Doc Rivers, Jackson has become a regular part of the rotation. Last season, he appeared in 67 games, including 43 starts, averaging just over 14 minutes per game. Jackson posted averages of 3.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 47.7% from the field, 39.5% from three-point range, and 50% from the free-throw line.
During the Bucks’ opening-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers, Jackson’s playing time was significantly reduced. He appeared in only two games, averaging just over two minutes per contest.
Amir Coffey, on the other hand, signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Bucks during the offseason and managed to secure a spot on the opening night roster. Coffey is familiar with Doc Rivers, having played under him with the LA Clippers. Until now, Coffey had spent his entire NBA career with the Clippers.
Last season with the Clippers, Coffey played in 72 games, including 13 starts, averaging just over 24 minutes per game. He posted career-high averages of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, shooting 47.1% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range, and an impressive 89.1% from the free-throw line.
The Bucks’ roster decisions highlight their ongoing strategy to build around their core while integrating promising talent like Jackson and Coffey for the upcoming season.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/milwaukee-bucks/bucks-news-milwaukee-andre-jackson-jr-waive-draft-pick
