Milwaukee Bucks fans knew they got a pair of bargain bin signings when they re-signed Ryan Rollins and added Cole Anthony this summer. Early in the season, the two have been jockeying for the title of Milwaukee's biggest offseason steal, but currently, Rollins is far and away the leader. The guard is one of the best offseason signings in the NBA, not just in Milwaukee.
Ryan Rollins is taking a leap even Bucks fans didn't foresee
Rollins signed a three-year deal worth $12 million to remain in Milwaukee. It looked like a good deal at the time, but now it looks even better—and it might continue on that trajectory.
Bucks fans knew Rollins could do more with a bigger role and a healthy shoulder. However, even then, the numbers he's currently putting up exceeded expectations. It's a small sample size, but in his six games so far, Rollins is averaging 18.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Defensively, he is playing at an All-Defensive level, taking on some of the toughest matchups every single night.
He's been flat-out phenomenal, helping propel the Milwaukee Bucks to their hot 4-2 start.
Speaking of that excellent record, Rollins has played an essential part in Milwaukee's last pair of wins. Against the New York Knicks, he dropped a then-career-high 25 points to go along with four assists and four steals. In the very next game, the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks hosted Golden State, and Rollins' 32 points and eight assists propelled Milwaukee to another double-digit win.
A significant reason Rollins has ascended is due to the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. The point guard had been in Milwaukee's starting lineup for nine minutes before rolling his ankle, and he has not been back since. During his ramp-up to return, Porter suffered a meniscus injury that will keep him out for at least another month, ensuring Rollins will stick in the starting five and remain a key piece.
With how well he's been playing, it's going to be awfully difficult for Doc Rivers to demote Rollins to the bench once Porter is cleared to return. That will be a fascinating storyline to follow.
Anthony has been a steal himself, averaging 11 points and 5.6 assists per game, but his impact has not reached the heights Rollins' has. Rollins looks like a legitimate Most Improved Candidate, and if he keeps this up, it will be hard for anyone to take that honor away.
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