Kevin Porter Jr. can ultimately decide the ceiling of this Milwaukee Bucks team. At his best, he can score at all three levels and flirt with triple-doubles. At his worst, he can be erratic and frustrating to watch.
Porter managed just nine minutes in the season opener before injuring his ankle and then undergoing right knee meniscus surgery. The team lacked his shot creation and offense, and now, with Giannis Antetokounmpo out for the time being, the team's offense is struggling. They could use a shot in the arm when Porter returns.
A composed KPJ can raise the ceiling of the Bucks
In 30 games for the Bucks last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a steal on shooting splits of .494/.408/.871. Heading into the season, he looked set to have locked down the starting point guard position. Unfortunately for Porter, Ryan Rollins has really made that his own.
However, the Bucks may be better off with Porter coming off the bench. His ability to create for himself is something the team desperately needs, especially when Giannis sits. One of his standout games from the 2024-25 season was his 24 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Miami Heat. That level of composure and steadiness from Porter is what the Bucks need.
On the flip side, his one-point performance in the Game 3 win against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs is the other side of his game. A very Jekyll and Hyde situation.
The Bucks' backcourt coming into the season was a big question mark. Cole Anthony's early-season buzz has very quickly died down as he has failed to consistently provide an offensive punch from the bench. Gary Trent Jr. has been a frustrating watch, leaving Rollins, AJ Green, and even Gary Harris to overachieve for the Bucks to stay in games.
Offensively, the team drops off drastically with Giannis sitting out. Porter would not completely rectify this, but he has a skill set that can at least help bring the dismal plus-minus back to a steadier offensive rating.
Defensively, he fits the athletic profile that the Bucks have targeted this offseason, so he can fit into the scheme. His individual defense is something that can yet be trusted, but the Bucks' offense drops by 21.4 points when Giannis sits, so they will have to live with his defensive struggles.
Porter is a really polarizing player. At times, he displays the talent that was expected when he entered the NBA. At other times, he is an extremely frustrating watch and can find himself on the bench quickly.
It is a polarizing gamble for the Bucks to rely on him, but if he returns from injury and shows some composure, he can dictate where this Milwaukee team can go in the postseason.