Doc Rivers has mandatory reason to reinstate dynamic backcourt duo

To accommodate Giannis Antetokounmpo's return to the Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers made the questionable decision to bench breakout star Ryan Rollins. In theory, that move spreads out the team's shot creation with Kevin Porter Jr. already in the starting five. AJ Green, plugged into Rollins' spot at shooting guard, fits well with Giannis as a premier marksman. 

In reality, those advantages either don't exist or are clearly outweighed given the current shape of the roster. Most critically, Rollins and Porter have soundly dispatched the notion that they can't share the court effectively. 

On an episode of The Bucks Beat on 620 WTMJ radio, host Monis Khan said as much while discussing the recent lineup change with BTBP's own Dalton Sell:

"It really does feel like Rollins struggles coming off the bench. I think all season long, he has not been able to find that rhythm, and in the starting lineup, his impact has been very consistent. And I think, exactly what you said, is his chemistry with Kevin Porter Jr.: the fact that these guys, you know, they've been working on their game together … you are able to lean into what this team is doing best." 

Swapping out Green for Rollins would cost little and restore a lot 

Part of the reason the Bucks lose little, if anything, from the subtraction of Green's shooting is that Rollins can stroke it as well. As Khan points out, Rollins is shooting 42 percent from deep this season and moves very well off-ball. He's not quite the specialist that Green is, but he is more than a capable catch-and-shoot artist on over three attempts per game. So, while starting Green makes sense "on paper," the reality is that Rollins gives the Bucks a lot more overall. 

The unavoidable irony of it all is that Rollins and Porter only grow stronger in combination, playing off one another in dynamic fashion. That's the opposite of Rivers' justification for benching Rollins earlier this season, to distribute playmaking more evenly across the first and second units. 

While fans could understand that argument in principle back then, it no longer applies at all. Sure, Giannis' return will require a learning curve for everyone, and fewer touches in the backcourt, but breaking up the best show the Bucks had going is hardly the answer. 

The Bucks have no good reason to keep Rollins and Porter apart 

Another salient factor, something Sell also highlights, is the Cam Thomas acquisition. Giving him the keys to the second unit is the whole point. To be anything near his best, Thomas needs the ball in his hands. Leaving him and Rollins to squabble for limited bench touches is a recipe to get less out of both.

Given Green's recent slump (7.7 points per game, 33 percent shooting over his last nine games), maybe going back to the bench for now, his role in 66 of 73 games last season, is for the best. 

It all adds up to an obvious decision for Rivers: start Rollins and Porter together, where they did their best work in Giannis' absence and should continue to do so in his presence. Particularly as he navigates a minutes restriction and early rust, maximizing available shot creation can only work to the Bucks' favor. What that means in practice is reinstating the Rollins-Porter combo in the starting five.