Milwaukee Bucks: Justin Robinson helping keep point guard position afloat

The Milwaukee Bucks have been ambushed by injuries early in the 2021-22 NBA season.

On the laundry list of names to miss time is Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee’s typical starting point guard and fan-favorite. Unfortunately, Holiday has been limited to just 43 minutes across two games in this new season as he battles through a heel contusion and ankle sprain. In his place in the lineup has been George Hill, the veteran guard that the Bucks wisely brought back this offseason. Sliding Hill into the starting lineup meant that the team would need to find a backup floor general to take his place, and they have given this role to Justin Robinson, who was brought in on a two-way deal this past offseason.

No one truly expected Robinson to see significant time for the Bucks this season, but no one also would have guessed that Holiday would go down this early. Due to the circumstances, the guard has been thrown right into the rotation for the Bucks nightly, where he has struggled to a degree. Given that this is his first legitimate opportunity in the NBA, it makes sense to see these growing pains early. Yet, amidst the Bucks’ struggles, the young guard has seemingly found a groove in the team’s last three games.

Justin Robinson has played solid basketball for the Milwaukee Bucks over the past three games

In 21.1 minutes on average, Robinson is averaging 8.7 points per game while shooting a scorching 62.5 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from behind the arc in this 1-2 stretch. His facilitating has also been great as he is averaging 2.3 assists. In addition to his statistical contributions, the guard has also played with great energy off the bench to give this team a much-needed boost as they fight through a multitude of injuries.

Robinson’s shining moment came in Tuesday night’s massive 117-89 bounce-back win over the Detroit Pistons. It was a career night for the third-year guard as he totaled 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-6 from long distance. In addition to his stellar scoring, he showed off his passing ability by dishing out four assists and did not register a turnover in the final box score. Robinson also did all of the little things for the Bucks, forcing a pair of offensive fouls to give Milwaukee some momentum as they steamrolled their way to a win on the road.

Considering that Robinson is playing on a two-way deal for the Bucks, he has been great in the big picture. Without Holiday to steady the ship, the guard has accepted the challenge of helping give the Bucks solid point guard play in his absence. They will need him to keep his foot on the gas with no return currently in sight for Holiday. This is the perfect opportunity for him to earn a standard NBA deal, and he has looked up to par over these three games.

If he keeps playing like this, Jon Horst may have found himself another hidden gem in the form of Robinson.