Last season was exciting yet frustrating for Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. When he played, he put up some of the best numbers of his career, dazzling on both ends. However, the problem was that he played in just 38 games, the second-fewest of his career, due to injuries. Well, after cleaning it up over the summer, Porter confirmed at media day that he's healthy. With that, he can be dangerous.
Porter can do it all for the Bucks
In his 38 games last season, Porter averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. All of those were either the best or second-best numbers of his entire career. When the Bucks needed a bucket, he'd get it. When they needed a steal, his instincts would kick in. If a teammate was open in the corner, he'd find them. The point is, he's a jack of all trades, and a great one at that.
While everyone is understandably focused on pieces like Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins, Porter will be a key cog in the rotation as well. There are plenty of questions about who will start where, but the truth is that all three players fit well next to each other and can take pressure off one another, adding to the excitement surrounding this new-look squad.
They have three great guards who all complement one another so well.
Bench role could be ideal for Porter
While Taylor Jenkins wants to see where everyone fits in training camp before deciding on a starting five, on paper, Porter's best role involves coming off the bench. That way, he won't have to share the offensive workload with Herro or Rollins, at least initially, instead spearheading a unit with threats off the ball like AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr.
It gives the Milwaukee Bucks a chance to always have a lethal offensive option on the floor.
As the leader of the second unit, he will have more control of the ball and can beef up his production. While some might view coming off the bench as a demotion after the young guard started in all but two of his games last season, Porter should embrace it. Playing on an expiring contract, coming off the bench could be his best bet to show what he could do with the ball in his hands more.
If he excels, a new deal could land on his desk next summer.
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