For the past three contests, the Milwaukee Bucks have played without starting guard Damian Lillard, who has been battling both a calf issue and an illness.
In their first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Doc Rivers primarily didn't use a point guard in his lineup combinations, opting to start AJ Green - a natural two-guard - at that spot. It didn't go well, as the Bucks lacked creation and playmaking. In their next two contests, where they were missing both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rivers made sure to use his depth at point guard.
During the past two games, both Ryan Rollins and Delon Wright have played big minutes, and they've capitalized on the opportunity, showing Milwaukee's depth at this crucial spot.
The Bucks are showing their depth at point guard without Damian Lillard
Over the last several weeks, a shoulder injury kept Ryan Rollins out of Doc Rivers' rotation, but with Lillard out, the young guard not only got his chance to play, but he found himself starting. Despite possibly still dealing with that nagging shoulder, Rollins has looked solid in his return to the fold, putting together some strong performances.
Against Washington, he logged 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. Versus Chicago, the guard was all over the place; he scored, passed, rebounded and even logged a highlight-level block. In total, he finished that game with eight points, five rebounds, two steals and a block and steal apiece. Even with the recent absences, Ryan Rollins has picked up right where he left off.
Delon Wright hasn't been quite as good, but he's showing why he cannot be forgotten about entirely in the rotation. In 26 minutes - his third-highest total of the season - against Chicago, Wright tallied a season-high nine points to go with five assists and two steals. Not only did he continue his recent run of strong defensive performances, but he also finally got a few shots to drop offensively.
One of the reasons Wright likely hasn't been able to cement his place in this rotation is due to his ugly offensive production. For most of the season, he hasn't managed to throw a rock in the ocean, but he certainly has it in him to knock down shots, as he showed here. If he can simply hit a few triples while playing pesky defense, there are minutes there for the taking.
These two have given the Milwaukee Bucks a needed jolt at point guard in Damian Lillard's absence, and they will continue to earn big minutes if he misses more time.
The Milwaukee Bucks have another point guard developing
While he's only played for the Milwaukee Bucks in brief spurts this season, AJ Johnson is yet another body at the point guard spot for this team. As expected, he's spent most of the season developing in the G-League, and he's flexed some undeniable potential. The recently-turned 20-year-old has been crafting his game in Oshkosh, and it could very well be setting him up for future success.
He likely won't see a prominent role for the Bucks this season, but it's nice to know that AJ Johnson is there and ready to hear his name called. With each passing game, practice, and film session, Johnson soaks up more and more information and implements it into his craft. In time, the rookie could add to a well-put-together rotation.
Between Lillard, Wright, Rollins and Johnson, the Milwaukee Bucks have a fearsome foursome at the point guard position.
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