After leading the Bucks to the playoffs in his rookie season, Jennings has struggled the past two years trying to get back. Last season in a lockout year, Jennings led Milwaukee to a 31-35 record, which wasn't enough to reach the post-season.
However, the 23-year-old looks to lead the team back to the promise land, along with getting a new contract extension. Jennings and his agent Bill Duffy have until October 31 to reach a new extension with the Bucks.
Related: NBA Rumors: Will Warriors PG Stephen Curry Get a Contract Extension in October?
"It would be something I’d love to get done with and over with so I don’t have to worry about it," Jennings said told Charles F. Gardener of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "But the main thing is just to come into training camp a better player, a better leader ... just lead the team to the playoffs."
Oklahoma City Thunder big man Serge Ibaka was in the same situation that Jennings was in and was able to get a four-year, $48 million extension. Jennings has one of the best shots at getting it, just like the 23-year-old Ibaka did with OKC.
However, Jennings isn't the only one to worry. Head coach Scott Skiles and general manager John Hammond are also entering into their contract years as well.
"To be honest, I think everybody is (feeling pressure)," Jennings said. "We’re all on the bubble right now, because we need to win. There’s going to be a lot of pressure on all of us, not just the coaching staff or the GM. We all know this could be it so we need to turn it around right now."
I think if I were the Bucks, I would go ahead and give Jennings the extension. It would be no use trying to go for even higher money at him in free agency, where Jennings is a restricted one. He's not going anywhere, so they might as well throw the money at him now.
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Josh Dhani is the founder of FootBasket. You can read more about him at his website. Follow him on Twitter @joshdhani.
