The Milwaukee Bucks have been worse when either Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr. starts on the bench, but Doc Rivers keeps trying it anyway.
Milwaukee has been tinkering with different rotations as they work through injuries, but limiting either of these players' minutes is not a recipe for success. Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, these two have been the best performers for the Bucks all season long, and playing them together is their best shot at having enough talent on the floor.
There's no reason to separate Rollins and KPJ
Both young guards started in the Bucks' recent game against the Hawks. Although the Bucks did fall in Atlanta, they got efficient performances from both players.
Rollins finished with 22 points and eight assists while shooting 8-of-11 from the field and 4-of-7 from three. Porter added 18 points and seven assists of his own while shooting 7-of-13 from the field. With Giannis out for injury, the Milwaukee Bucks needed both guards to initiate their offense.
When both Rollins and KPJ share the court, they are able to play off each other and extend advantages. This synergy helps get the Bucks open looks from three, which is desperately needed to boost the team's offense. The Bucks need to shoot well from outside to win games, and combining their two emerging guards gives them the best shot to do so.
Unfortunately, the Bucks' coaching staff was unable to see the obvious chemistry between Rollins and Porter prior to the most recent game.
In the seven games from March 2 to March 12, one of them started, and one came off the bench. Even more confusing was the fact that the starting point guard switched between the two players, putting them in competition with each other rather than building their chemistry.
The Bucks' coaches need to support Rollins and Porter together
Rather than pitting Rollins and Porter against each other, the Bucks should be developing them together. They can use more guidance from their coaches and other veteran guards on the team to continue developing. A solid older point guard who can contribute on both ends would be a great mentor to both players.
Unfortunately, the Bucks' veteran presence is heavily skewed towards wings and bigs. They don't have a steady presence to run the offense coming off the bench and teaching Rollins or KPJ in the process. Giannis has years of experience running the offense, but naturally cannot relate to the struggles that smaller guards face in the league.
For now, Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. must figure out their point guard roles on their own. But benching either of them will not help the Bucks achieve their goals, either in the short or long term.