Everyone who watched him perform last season wanted Ryan Rollins back with the Milwaukee Bucks, including Doc Rivers. In a recent interview with The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Jon Horst, general manager of the Bucks, said, "Doc was pushing for the Ryan pick-up" before the two sides came to a deal that sealed Rollins' future in Milwaukee.
Rivers wanting Rollins back is a great thing for the Bucks
It makes sense that Rollins grew on Rivers. Early last season, Rollins leaped veteran Delon Wright in the rotation, becoming a mainstay for Rivers to the point where he was a fill-in starter. The guard has plenty of untapped potential on both sides of the basketball, and Rivers wants to see if he can bring some of that to the surface.
Last season, Rollins had a breakout year, averaging 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while knocking down 40.8 percent from deep. That goes without mentioning the strides he took on the defensive end. He held opposing guards to 42.1 percent shooting from the field, which is a strong number for a youngster seeing his first legitimate action (and on a bum shoulder).
To grow into the player he can be, Rollins must earn the trust of Rivers. There were plenty of times last year when it felt like Rollins got pulled from the game too early, whether due to a mistake or simply in favor of someone else. In the NBA Playoffs, he logged just 30 minutes across three games. Could he have made a difference in a larger role? Who knows, but it wouldn't have hurt to try.
The big question now is how exactly Rivers plans to utilize the young combo guard. Between Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and newcomer Cole Anthony, the coach has three guards who can all help this team in different ways. Who starts? Who comes off the bench? How often do they all pair up in different combinations? It will be fascinating to see it all unfold.
Everyone in the building clearly believes in Ryan Rollins. Doc Rivers wanted him back. Jon Horst said that Rollins reminds him of George Hill, who was a reliable sixth man for almost all of his NBA career, notably during his first stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, it's time for Rollins to prove them right.
Let's hope Doc Rivers shares the same thoughts about AJ Green, who is extension eligible.
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