The Milwaukee Bucks made an expected move this week by re-signing guard Ryan Rollins, a player who emerged late last season when injuries forced him into the spotlight. With Rollins now officially back, the Bucks find themselves with two young point guards on the roster — Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. — and one very obvious question: Who will start?
The question could spark in-house competition
The decision may not be urgent with months to go before training camp, but the Bucks’ direction is becoming clearer. While Milwaukee could technically still sign a veteran free-agent guard — with names like Chris Paul or Malcolm Brogdon still unsigned — the return of Rollins signals the front office's growing confidence in its youth movement at the position.
Porter, who joined the team midseason, made an immediate offensive impact. Known for his aggressive scoring and dynamic playmaking, he gave the Bucks a much-needed spark following Damian Lillard’s diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in late March.
In 30 games with Milwaukee, Porter averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range. Porter also notably started for a rebuilding Rockets team for two seasons prior to playing in Milwaukee. His explosive scoring upside was on full display during those seasons, including a 50-point performance against Milwaukee in 2021 — a game in which Jrue Holiday was the primary defender.
Rollins, on the other hand, took over starting duties after Lillard’s absence and provided a steadier, more complementary presence. While not as assertive offensively, the 6-foot-4 guard spaced the floor effectively, shooting an identical 41 percent from beyond the arc. Rollins often deferred to Giannis Antetokounmpo as the primary ballhandler, working well in a secondary role and showing solid growth on the defensive end.
Turnovers remain a key difference between the two guards. Porter averaged 3.3 turnovers per 36 minutes, compared to 2.3 for Rollins. While Porter tends to gamble more on defense and occasionally forces plays on offense, his energy and confidence often elevate the team’s tempo. Rollins, meanwhile, offers a more composed approach and is developing into a strong two-way contributor.
Both guards credited Lillard for mentoring them last season. That mentorship might be crucial again as the Bucks consider whether a veteran presence is still needed in the locker room at the point guard position. While the idea of adding a battle-tested guard like Paul or Brogdon is attractive for playoff readiness, such a move now appears less likely given Milwaukee's roster composition and salary cap constraints.
Still, the Bucks are at a crossroads. Whether head coach Doc Rivers leans into Porter’s scoring ability or trusts Rollins’ steady hand could set the tone for the team's offensive identity next season. Each guard brings a unique style to the court, and factoring in Giannis Antetokounmpo reaching the later years of his prime, the importance of making the right choice can’t be overstated.
What’s clear is that Milwaukee has two hungry, young guards eager to take the next step. Whether they do that together or with the support of another veteran addition remains to be seen.