Ryan Rollins has gone from being a depth piece to a critical contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that he deserves a permanent spot in the rotation.
While injuries to key players like Gary Trent Jr. have opened the door for Rollins to log significant minutes lately, his impact goes far beyond simply filling in.
It would be hard to deny Ryan Rollins' impact for the Bucks
Rollins has quietly become a two-way force for Milwaukee, making the most of his opportunities. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Bucks allow five fewer points per 100 possessions when Rollins is on the court, placing him in the 85th percentile in defensive rating among guards. His energy, defensive instincts and ability to stay in front of his man have given the Milwaukee Bucks’ perimeter defense a much-needed boost.
But it’s not just on the defensive end where Rollins is excelling. On offense, the Bucks’ effective field goal percentage improves by 2.4 percentage points when he plays, a testament to his ability to make smart decisions and keep the ball moving. Rollins’ composure and willingness to play within the system make him an ideal complement to Milwaukee’s stars.
Rollins’ impact is even more evident in the Milwaukee Bucks’ net rating. Per PBP Stats, Milwaukee has a net rating of +4.83 during Rollins’ minutes, a mark that underscores how his presence helps the team on both ends of the floor. Whether he’s hitting timely shots, setting up teammates, or disrupting opposing guards, Ryan Rollins consistently makes winning plays.
The big question now is what happens when Gary Trent Jr. returns to full health. Trent has been an important piece for Milwaukee, and his ability to score in bunches provides the Bucks with a critical offensive spark. However, Rollins’ recent performances suggest that he deserves to keep getting meaningful minutes, even if it means cutting into Trent’s playing time.
Of course, none of this is to advocate for Trent being out of the rotation completely or even that Rollins is now the better player. Given what he brings to the floor, Trent is likely the seventh or eighth man come playoff time. But right now, with the Milwaukee Bucks still fighting for playoff position while also trying to stay healthy for the postseason, Rollins has proven he deserves a spot in the rotation and potentially a full NBA contract.
Rollins’ rise is a testament to his hard work and readiness. He’s taken advantage of every opportunity to prove himself, and the Bucks have been better for it. His defensive versatility and offensive efficiency make him an indispensable part of a team looking to contend for a title.
As Milwaukee moves deeper into the season, the Bucks must prioritize what’s working. Rollins has earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates, and it’s time for his minutes to reflect his impact. Even when the team is fully healthy, Rollins should remain a key part of the rotation. He's put up more than enough positive outings to warrant a full-time spot on the rotation.
Sometimes, players force their way into the conversation through sheer performance. That’s exactly what Ryan Rollins has done, and the Bucks are reaping the rewards.
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