Photo Credits: Coby Van Loan/OKC Thunder
Since the Oklahoma City Thunder cut ties with Justin Jackson on April 5, the 26-year-old forward has been left waiting on the sidelines for potential suitors. But as reported, Jackson will not have to wait much longer for an NBA return, as on Thursday, he officially signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
For Jackson, his contract with the Bucks will essentially act as a one-year deal, but under another alias. With the NBA’s new two-way contract guidelines (50 games, playoff eligibility,) Jackson will be able to finish out Milwaukee’s final 15 games while also allowing a role in a playoff run.
Under his role in Oklahoma City, Jackson never was in the forefront of the offense, often times being held back for younger prospects or only being played as a product of team injuries. Despite this, he still surfaced as a stable plug-and-play bench piece sounding averages of 7.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 30.6-percent from distance on 3.4 attempts.
During his biggest hot-streak, Jackson rattled off a barrage of high-output games, including three-consecutive 20-point contests in February. Of those of note, Jackson pummeled the Nuggets with 20 points in a 97-95 heartbreaker before logging 22 points (including a major three) against the Bucks en route to a 114-109 Valentine’s day win.
Jackson will maintain his number 44 jersey (in homage to George Gervin) with Milwaukee. His debut with the team is yet to be determined.