AJ Green's Return Hasn’t Sparked the Bucks - Yet
When AJ Green stepped back onto the court after nearly two weeks sidelined with a shoulder contusion, the Milwaukee Bucks were hoping for a boost - a spark to ignite a struggling offense. Instead, what they’ve gotten so far is a player still searching for rhythm, timing, and that signature sharpshooting touch.
Let’s be clear: Green doesn’t look like himself right now. His shot isn’t falling, he’s not playing with his usual edge, and the physicality that typically defines his game just hasn’t been there. Whether he came back a touch too soon or simply needs more time to get his legs under him, the early returns haven’t matched the anticipation.
A Cold Return
In Sunday’s matchup against the Timberwolves, Green went just 1-for-8 from the field - all from beyond the arc - and finished with four points in 23 minutes. He didn’t take a single shot inside the three-point line. That’s not just a cold shooting night; that’s a player who doesn’t quite look ready to assert himself physically.
His performance against Toronto was a slight improvement - 2-for-5 for five points - but even then, it was clear he wasn’t operating at full strength. His movements, his shot mechanics, even his confidence - none of it looked quite right.
Doc Rivers has understandably kept Green on a minutes restriction, and on Sunday, the shooting struggles essentially made that decision for him. But that might actually be a blessing in disguise. The last thing the Bucks need is to push a key rotation player too hard, too fast.
The Bucks Need His Shooting - But They Need Him Healthy More
There’s no question why Milwaukee was eager to get Green back. He’s a critical piece of their perimeter attack, not just because he knocks down threes, but because he does it in volume. Shooting a blistering 48.5 percent from deep on 6.6 attempts per game, Green doesn’t just space the floor - he stretches defenses to their breaking point.
That kind of production isn’t easy to replicate. Gary Trent Jr. did what he could during Green’s absence, going 8-for-19 from deep over those three games. But the bigger picture is harder to ignore: Trent’s season has been uneven, and over the last two games - with Green back but clearly limited - Trent has gone ice-cold, shooting 3-for-19 from the field for just nine points combined.
And with Taurean Prince out for the season, the Bucks’ wing depth has taken a serious hit. Prince might not be a star, but he’s a high-level shooter who knows his role.
Without him, and with Trent struggling, Green’s value becomes even more pronounced. But the Bucks don’t need 70% of AJ Green - they need the full version.
The one who can heat up in a heartbeat and tilt the floor with his gravity.
A Brutal Stretch Ahead
Timing couldn’t be worse. After a lighter schedule due to their early NBA Cup exit, the Bucks are heading into a stretch that’s going to test their depth and durability. They continue a five-game road trip Tuesday in Indiana, and after Christmas, they’ll play six games in just 10 days.
That’s a lot of basketball in a short window - and it’s fair to wonder if Doc Rivers might need to hit pause on Green’s return. Giving him another game or two off could be the best move for the long haul. The Bucks can’t afford to have him lingering at less than 100% as the season grinds on.
The Bottom Line
AJ Green is a vital piece of Milwaukee’s offensive puzzle, but right now, he’s not himself. The shot isn’t falling, the movement isn’t crisp, and the physicality isn’t there. Whether it’s lingering pain or just rust, he needs more time to get right.
The Bucks want him on the court - badly. But more than that, they need him healthy.
Because when he’s right, Green isn’t just a shooter. He’s a weapon.