The 2025-26 NBA season is nearing, and the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup is anything but certain. Most fans have already penciled in Kevin Porter Jr. as the starting floor general after Damian Lillard's offseason departure, but that's far from a guarantee. Last season showed that Doc Rivers was quite the fan of Ryan Rollins, starting him over Porter often. That could carry over into next season, and it would be an eye-catching move.
There's no telling who Doc Rivers will start at point guard for the Bucks
Last season, Kevin Porter Jr. started in five of his 35 games between the regular season and playoffs. Meanwhile, Rollins had 20 starts, plenty of which came when Porter was on the roster. Helping Rollins blossom into a rotational player, Doc Rivers clearly took a liking to the guard, and it's not far-fetched to think he has big things planned for him next season.
In an interview with The Athletic's Eric Nehm (subscription required), general manager Jon Horst even revealed that Rivers was pushing hard for the team to re-sign Rollins. Rivers clearly thinks there is a lot more potential to unearth with him. In that same interview, Horst said it would be up to Rivers to decide whether Porter was Milwaukee's starting point guard, also not setting it in stone.
There is a chance for Rollins to start. While he's not the pure bucket-getter that Porter is, there is a case for him to be a better fit in this starting five. Next season, Giannis Antetokounmpo will have the ball in his hands more than ever, and he'll need players around him who complement him. Porter can do that, but Rollins may be better suited to play off the ball due to his defense and outside shot.
While they aren't the same players, Rollins fits more like Jrue Holiday, who was excellent off the ball in Milwaukee, while Porter is more like Damian Lillard due to his score-first tendencies.
Starting Rollins and bringing Porter off the bench would allow the latter to play more freely. He has the potential to be Milwaukee's second leading scorer next season, especially if Rivers staggers his time with Giannis, so asking him to lead the bench would give him the greenest of lights. There's a case that may be the best way to maximize his offensive production.
Of course, there's a chance neither player starts for the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans cannot forget about newcomer Cole Anthony, who is the lone pure point guard on the roster. Rivers will surely look to find some time for him in the rotation. His best seasons came as a starter. Will Rivers try to unearth that version of Anthony? Just like with Rollins, it would be a bold move to choose him over Porter.
The job is up for grabs, and it could come down to who impresses the most in training camp. Fans just cannot pencil in Kevin Porter Jr. just yet.
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