AJ Green recaps rookie NBA season with Milwaukee Bucks: ‘I couldn’t have asked for much more’

CEDAR FALLS — A record-setting rookie season in the NBA hasn’t changed AJ Green.

The Cedar Falls native and former two-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year at Northern Iowa remains as tirelessly committed to his craft and as plain spoken as he was when he was living in his hometown and playing for the Panthers.

On a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks this past season, Green played 35 games with Milwaukee, and seven with the Bucks’ G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.

In 35 games with the Bucks he made 44 of 105 3-point attempts, breaking the franchise’s rookie 3-point shooting percentage record. Green’s 42 percent mark from distance also led all NBA rookies.

“I’d say just trying to make the most of the opportunities that I was given and just be ready for the moment. You never really know in my position when that’s going to be,” Green said was the biggest take-away from his rookie season. “It’s just trying to prepare the right way.

“I like to think the results and actions just speak to the preparation and confidence that I have to go out there and just play. It was a great first year and I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

While the production as a rookie stands out, it wasn’t without challenges.

After a college career where he largely played point guard and had a high usage rate, Green had to adjust to being an off-ball guard.

“I think it really just took some reps (and) some experience playing games,” Green said. “In some ways it was difficult. Being able to find a rhythm and keep rhythm when you might not have the ball as much. Otherwise it’s a lot easier because I don't have to create everything.

“I’m the result of the advantages and the opportunities that have already been created by other guys.”

He’s enjoying life as a professional basketball player and the free time that comes with no longer being a student-athlete.

He recently got engaged and said he’s enjoying the wedding planning process. He also explained how the free time he now has provoked him to pick up a new hobby — playing the piano.

“I’ve still been trying to learn. Otherwise it’s just hoops all the time and you kind of want a little bit of balance,” Green said. “I’m learning how to play piano. Some of the dexterity forces the brain to work and create new pathways and opportunities to learn.”

Checking in on UNI

Green has been training during the week at the Bucks facility in Milwaukee this summer. making it back to Cedar Falls when he can on the weekends.

Just recently he was able to watch one of UNI’s first practices of the summer and lift weights with the team.

“They’re going to be good,” Green said. “They got all the pieces and I think Bowen (Born) and Nate (Heise) will do a great job leading those guys. I think it’ll be a big year and I’m very excited to watch them.”

What’s next for AJ Green?

When it comes to preparing for his sophomore season in the NBA, he’s focused on being able to make a larger variety of 3-point shots and improve his defense.

On the business side of things, his two-way contract expires this offseason. But he presents the Bucks and their new head coach, Adrian Griffin, options to retain him.

The team can make Green a restricted free agent with a $1.76 million qualifying offer for next season. That qualifying offer would require other teams to submit an offer sheet to Green that the Bucks can match.

There’s also the possibility of a second season on a two-way contract, or, a separately negotiated extension that makes him a full-time member of the Bucks roster.

“I’m really just letting my agent handle all that type of stuff,” Green said. “I’m just focused on getting healthy and how I can get better. Obviously I felt solid about the past (season) and I like to think I showed that I can play in the NBA and that’s where I belong.

“We’ll see what this summer brings. The plan is hopefully play summer league with the Bucks and then go from there and see what God’s got in store (for me).”