It's only been two games, but the Milwaukee Bucks' guard depth is already taking hits, which could force them to dig deep into the rotation. With Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined due to an ankle injury and Cole Anthony a late addition to the injury report with an illness, two-way rookie Mark Sears might have to be ready to hear his name called if Doc Rivers wants a conventional point guard on the floor.
Mark Sears is on standby amid Bucks' injuries
If Anthony joins Porter in terms of missing Sunday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bucks won't have a single traditional ball-handler outside of Sears. Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ryan Rollins can take that responsibility, but neither are pure point guards. Sears could give them a traditional floor general capable of eating up some minutes.
Of course, it's far more likely that Doc Rivers opts to roll with more experienced players, even if they aren't typically floor generals. If he returns from his own injury, Kyle Kuzma can shoulder some of the workload. Andre Jackson Jr. has been a ball-handler in the past. The Milwaukee Bucks have options to stay afloat, even if they are unorthodox.
At 23, Sears isn't some young, raw rookie. He spent five years in college and built up experience for the NBA level. If the Bucks call on him, there will certainly be rookie jitters and mistakes, but he may be more polished than if he were 19 or 20. Perhaps that will make his odds of playing likelier if the Bucks absolutely need him.
Sears caught plenty of eyes in the preseason. Even if he didn't play much, he flexed his potential with his court vision, clutch shooting, and, perhaps most surprisingly, pesky defense. He looks like a piece who can help this team if called upon. Only time will tell if he gets the opportunity to show it at the NBA level as the Milwaukee Bucks deal with the injury/illness bug in the backcourt early.
Losing Cole Anthony, even if it's just for a game or two, would be a major blow. The guard showed just how important he is to this team with a 23 point, seven assist outing against the Toronto Raptors. If he misses time on top of Kevin Porter Jr. being out, that's a lot of points and assists that need to come from elsewhere.
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