There are many reasons behind Ryan Rollins' astronomical scoring jump this season, but one of the most prominent has been his pull-up shooting. The guard has been hitting these shots as efficiently as almost anyone in the NBA, as it's become one of his greatest weapons. Obviously, he's not on the same level, but Rollins is showing glimpses of Damian Lillard-esque shooting.
Rollins looks like Lillard on some of these pull-ups
Lillard has etched his name into the record books as one of the great perimeter shooters of all time. Heck, he won the 3-Point Contest this season despite not playing in a single game due to his Achilles tear—sorry to reopen that wound, Bucks fans. While the guard likes catch-and-shoots just fine, he has always thrived with his pull-ups, in particular.
In his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, 2023-24, Lillard made the third most pull-up triples in the NBA, trailing only Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry. It was an elite skill that differed from the typical formula of surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with catch-and-shoot players, and the change opened things up mightily offensively. Now, Rollins is doing the same.
In his Most Improved Player-worthy season, Rollins is shooting 78-of-195 on his pull-up triple tries. Among players to attempt at least 170 such shots this season, Rollins' 40 percent success rate ranks fifth in the NBA. He's up there with players like Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when it comes down to efficiency.
If Rollins can keep shooting the lights out, this shot can be his greatest offensive weapon.
Rollins' pull-up shooting improvement captures his entire year
Growth has been the entire story for Rollins in what has been a miserable season for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a fine player last season who earned a deserved raise, but he's quickly blossomed into someone not even Milwaukee fans saw coming. He's improved across the board, but his ability to hit these pull-up shots has been among the most drastic developments.
During his first three seasons, Rollins attempted just 20 pull-up 3-pointers, making six of them. It was never a major part of his game. Until now. As mentioned, he has 78 makes this season. Even with that type of jump, in addition to all of his other areas of growth, Rollins has been getting little recognition in the NBA's Most Improved Player conversation, shamefully.
Regardless, Milwaukee Bucks fans will cherish Rollins and his incredible pull-up shooting. The shades of Damian Lillard mixed in there have been undeniably fascinating.
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