Ryan Rollins has been making a strong case for consistent minutes in the Milwaukee Bucks’ rotation. His recent performances have highlighted his scoring efficiency, defensive versatility, and overall impact. As Delon Wright continues to struggle, Rollins has emerged as a reliable option deserving of more playing time.
Ryan Rollins’ Rise: Making the Case for Consistent Minutes
Overcoming Adversity: Rollins’ Path to Impact
Rollins’ journey to becoming a key rotational piece for the Milwaukee Bucks has been anything but straightforward. Waived by the Washington Wizards in January 2024, he signed a two-way deal with the Bucks and made the most of his opportunities with the Wisconsin Herd. His hard work paid off earlier this season when Damian Lillard was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Rather than relying on primary backup Delon Wright, head coach Doc Rivers opted to give Rollins the nod in the starting lineup.
In his first start, a 99-85 win over the Toronto Raptors, Rollins showcased his two-way potential with a great performance, recording 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting (including 4-of-7 from three), five rebounds, five steals, and three assists in just 22 minutes. This game set the tone for what was to come.
Lillard’s recent extended absence allowed Rollins to start three consecutive games. Across those starts, he has averaged 9.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, further solidifying his status as a valuable contributor.
| Rk | Date | Opp | Result | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PTS | +/- | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2024-12-26 | BRK | L 105-111 | * | 29 | 3 | 7 | .429 | 1 | 5 | .200 | 0 | 0 | .500 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 | -12 | ||
| 3 | 2024-12-23 | @ | CHI | W 112-91 | * | 22 | 3 | 6 | .500 | 2 | 3 | .667 | 0 | 0 | .667 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 1 | |
| 4 | 2024-12-21 | WAS | W 112-101 | * | 31 | 5 | 10 | .500 | 2 | 5 | .400 | 2 | 3 | .667 | .618 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 14 | -10 |
Provided by Stathead.com: Found with Stathead. See Full Results.
Generated 12/29/2024.
Statistical Comparison: Rollins vs. Wright
The case for Rollins becomes even more compelling when comparing his contributions to those of Delon Wright, the Bucks’ current backup guard. Rollins significantly outpaces Wright in scoring efficiency, shooting an impressive 46.4% from three compared to Wright’s 26.2%. Defensively, Rollins has demonstrated versatility with higher steals and blocks per game. His ability to contribute on both ends makes him a more balanced and impactful option.
Recent Performances: Rollins’ Momentum
Rollins’ last five games have been a showcase of his potential. In this stretch, Rollins averaged 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and shot 50% or more from the field in four of the five games. His ability to generate steals, disrupt opposing offenses, and contribute timely buckets highlights his readiness to play meaningful minutes.
Ryan Rollins Has Earned His Spot
Ryan Rollins continues to showcase qualities that elevate the Milwaukee Bucks’ second unit. Defensively, his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt offenses with steals and blocks gives the team much-needed versatility. Offensively, Rollins provides a balanced skill set, offering reliable scoring and playmaking that complements his defensive efforts.
What truly sets Rollins apart is his energy and hustle. His intensity on both ends of the floor has sparked the team during key stretches, creating momentum through timely defensive stops and transition plays. In contrast, Wright has struggled to bring the same consistent impact.
Rollins’ recent performances prove that his contributions go beyond just filling a temporary role. His versatility, balance, and effort make him an invaluable piece of the Bucks’ rotation, one that deserves more opportunities moving forward.
The post Ryan Rollins’ Rise: Making the Case for Consistent Minutes appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.