When Kevin Porter Jr. makes his return, the Milwaukee Bucks will basically be integrating a brand new piece into the lineup. The guard, who began the season as Milwaukee's starting floor general, played a measly nine minutes before going down with an ankle injury. In his ramp-up to return, he suffered a meniscus injury that required surgery. Once he's clear, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to determine where exactly he fits into the equation.
Kevin Porter Jr. will basically be a newcomer
The Bucks could use a player like Porter in the lineup. His shot creation is an incredibly useful tool in taking away pressure from Giannis Antetokounmpo. If defenses focus on the Greek Freak, Porter will have a better matchup and a greater opportunity to score. A lack of that has hindered the team to a degree in the early going this season.
It was brief, but Porter's usefulness was on full display in his nine minutes to open the season. He had 10 points, two assists, and a steal, shooting 3-of-5 from the floor before going down. Now, the wait is on to get him back in the lineup to pick up where he left off. While they are stringing together wins, the Milwaukee Bucks could undoubtedly use another spark like Kevin Porter Jr.
The question is where exactly Porter fits. With how well he's been playing, Doc Rivers would be foolish to yank Ryan Rollins from the starting lineup. Does Porter come off the bench? That might lessen the role of Cole Anthony, who has been a nice reserve ball-handler and someone who can help this team. Does Rivers start Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. together? It does have potential.
Though Rollins has proven to be a quality floor general, he is just as capable of playing off the ball in a role that focuses more on his defense. While Porter is handling the ball, Rollins can serve as a spot-up threat on offense while taking the most difficult guard matchup defensively. Of course, he can also do the same as Porter and take on ball-handling duties when needed. They complement each other well.
These are questions that Doc Rivers will have to answer in a month or so, given that everything goes according to plan with Porter's return. Integrating another starting-caliber player into the lineup is a good problem to have. Time will tell how Rivers handles it.
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