Jaime Jaquez Jr. is stepping into a bigger role in Milwaukee, and Taylor Jenkins is making the ask plain: the defense has to come with it.
Jenkins told reporters he has been direct with Jaquez about what the Bucks want to see next. The forward has already been tested early, and the coach likes the process so far, even if it has come with mixed results.
"He and I have had great conversations about wanting to take the next step defensively. He's, obviously, in the first three matchups, taken some difficult matchups, and had some good moments and had some learning moments, too. So, regardless of where he ends up, starting, coming off the bench, I think he can make a significant impact for us, but I really want him to take that next step for us defensively."
That challenge matters because Jaquez’s value rises fast if he can be even a solid defender. The offense has never really been the question. The bigger issue has been whether he can hold up on the other end, especially against stronger assignments.
He’s not a prototype lockdown wing, but he does bring a 6-foot-6, 225 lb frame, enough strength to bang with physical forwards, and the kind of basketball IQ that can help cover for some of the athletic limitations. The tool kit is there for him to be more than just a scorer.
In Miami, Jaquez usually wasn’t the one taking the very first crack at the opponent’s top forward. That setup changed in Milwaukee, where he started all three of his Bucks preseason games. That makes a regular-season starting job feel likely, and with that comes a different level of responsibility on both ends of the floor.
If Milwaukee asks him to open games against players like Jaylen Brown, Jalen Williams, or Paul George, that’s a different kind of test. Those matchups would put more on his plate than he dealt with before, but they also give him a chance to show he can handle a tougher job.
There’s another layer here, too. Jaquez is eligible for a contract extension before the season, but the Bucks appear ready to wait and see.
That puts the spotlight squarely on what he does now. If he’s going to secure a bigger future payday, the path is pretty clear: put up career-best numbers on offense and show real growth on defense.
If that happens, Milwaukee could end up with its small forward of the future. If it doesn’t, the wait on a long-term deal makes even more sense. Either way, Jenkins has drawn the line, and Jaquez’s response will tell the Bucks plenty.
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