The Milwaukee Bucks, as presently constructed, don't have a lot of margin for error. In an NBA landscape with several teams having legitimate chances of hoisting the NBA title at the end of the season, the Bucks are not inclined to give their young bucks a lot of playing time, instead relying on their veteran stars to carry them through every game.
However, suppose one or two pieces of the core are sidelined due to injury. In that case, the Bucks have been fortunate enough to find a pocket of production from MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr. Both players have brought an injection of youth and athleticism that has helped the team when their veterans haven't been available.
Give the team a spark
Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. haven't spent much time on the floor together. With the wing positions being covered by Khris Middleton, Malik Beasley, and Pat Connaughton, the two have had to find their way into the rotation as reserves. With that being said, MarJon and Andre were able to give the Bucks a spark in their game versus the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
With the team missing Middleton and Beasley due to different injuries, Beachamp and Jackson confidently stepped into the starting five and made an impact. MarJon scored the Bucks' first seven points and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, an assist, and two steals. Meanwhile, rookie Andre had 10 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes of playing time.
After the game, Beauchamp described how much fun playing with fellow young Buck was.
"It's very different from last year. I didn't really have someone who's similar like me," Beauchamp said.
"So every time we get in, we just try to pump the other guys up and just say, 'We're going to get a stop right here' and just try to communicate on the defensive side. And try to make something happen every time."
Someone in a similar situation
With Beauchamp on the floor with him, Jackson felt encouraged to take on the starting role on that night. After all, it wasn't too long ago that MarJon was in a similar situation, not playing often and trying to make the most of his opportunities.
"It felt good having MarJon out there, too," Jackson said.
"I didn't feel like I was the only young guy out there, and just having somebody else play in a similar situation as you makes you always feel a little more confident, a little better."
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