When it comes to roster construction in the NBA, some moves are simply so clear it feels like they're written in neon lights for the front office to see. For the Milwaukee Bucks, that move is signing Ryan Rollins to a standard contract. After inking Pete Nance to a two-way deal, the Bucks need to lock up Rollins, who has proven himself worthy of a full-time NBA spot and then some.
Sometimes, players force their way into the conversation through sheer performance. That’s exactly what Ryan Rollins has done, and with his two-way eligibility running low, the Bucks need to act fast or put themselves at risk of losing a reliable player who could be a key contributor come playoff time.
The Milwaukee Bucks need Ryan Rollins on their roster
Ryan Rollins has been a revelation for the Bucks this season.
Despite being on a two-way contract, he’s shown flashes of the kind of scoring punch and defensive tenacity that every team looks for off the bench. In limited minutes, Rollins has averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Those aren't the numbers of a star or even a starter in this league, but they're the ones of a player with the ability to make an impact in short, controlled bursts.
Like he's had to prove to the coaching staff time and time again, what makes Rollins so valuable is his steadiness in a limited role. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he has the size and athleticism to defend both backcourt positions, and his ability to facilitate shots gives the Bucks a much-needed offensive spark. In a league where bench scoring is often the difference between winning and losing, Rollins has the potential to be a game-changer.
The advanced statistics back this up. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Bucks score on +1.7 effective field goal percentage points higher when Rollins plays, while opponents score -4.2 fewer points per 100 possessions in those minutes. Rollins is in the 79th and 81st percentiles in those statistics in his position.
The problem is, Rollins is running out of time. Two-way players are only eligible to be active for 50 NBA regular season games and cannot play in the playoffs. Rollins doesn't have much time. Given his production and potential, that could be troubling.
Signing Rollins to a standard contract is a no-brainer at this point, even if Kevin Porter Jr. has already surpassed him in Doc Rivers' rotation. Not only would it give the Bucks another reliable option off the bench, but it would also allow them to keep developing a player who could be a key piece of their future. At just 22 years old, Rollins has plenty of room to grow, and his skill set is exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks need to complement their star-studded core.
In a seven-game series, depth is everything, and Rollins’ ability to score and defend could make him a valuable weapon in Doc Rivers’ arsenal. Whether it’s providing a spark off the bench or stepping up in spot minutes, Rollins has the potential to be a difference-maker when it matters most. And going forward, the Milwaukee Bucks should want to secure the services of a player who can still grow.
The Bucks’ next roster move is beyond obvious: it’s time to sign Ryan Rollins to a standard contract. Rollins has shown he belongs in the NBA, and his combination of scoring, defense and versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks’ bench.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.