The Milwaukee Bucks made a low-risk move to acquire Kevin Porter Jr. at the NBA Trade Deadline, and it's paying off in a big way thus far.
Porter has given Milwaukee a needed second-unit jolt most nights, with one recent example coming in the team's win over the Sacramento Kings. Porter was huge in that game, providing 18 points on a fantastic 8-of-10 shooting to go with six assists and three boards. With Damian Lillard out, the Bucks needed Porter's contributions to gut out the comeback win.
After the game, Doc Rivers praised what he saw from Porter, aka "Scoot," in the victory.
"He was huge. Scoot was huge. His scoring, his defense. He just gives us another guy, another ball-handler, another guy that can go downhill and make plays. Him and Giannis together going downhill, the downhill attacks for us with the shooting we have on the floor is terrific for us."
Rivers wasn't the only Buck to throw praise at Porter, as Brook Lopez also applauded the effort from his new teammate after the game. The guard is making a great impression with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the hope is that it only continues down the stretch and into the NBA Playoffs. Based on just what Rivers had to say, it sounds like he's banking on Kevin Porter Jr. being a mainstay in his rotation.
Doc Rivers should lean on Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. down the stretch
Early during his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, Porter's minutes were far from consistent, as it felt like Doc Rivers was trying to see where he fit. Lately, especially with Damian Lillard out, he's leaned on the guard more consistently, and he should continue to do so. As he did against the Kings, where the youngster logged 27 minutes, his most with the Bucks yet, he proved he can give a needed spark.
It's not controversial to think that Porter should be crossing 20 minutes nightly. As Rivers stated, Porter's ability to create shots for himself and others while being a threat in transition alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo is essential. It's a skill set that the Milwaukee Bucks haven't gotten from a complementary piece in quite some time, and it unlocks the offense so much more.
In addition to being a mid-range maestro and transition threat, one of the main reasons for Porter's success with the Bucks is the 180 he's done as a long-range shooter. With the LA Clippers before the NBA Trade Deadline, he shot 24.5 percent from deep. In Milwaukee's he's elevated his game, shooting 47.2 percent from distance. It makes him a tough cover from any spot on the floor.
The combo guard's importance will be on display each and every game down the stretch.
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