With Damian Lillard out of the picture, Kevin Porter Jr. will take on a significantly larger role than he did with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. The Bucks need someone to score the ball reliably, and Porter is among the candidates to be Milwaukee's second-leading scorer behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Based on how he performed without Lillard last season, Porter could unquestionably fill that role.
Kevin Porter Jr. destined to take a leap in Damian Lillard's absence
The numbers don't lie. During his first 17 games as a Buck, Porter played fine, averaging 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and three assists per contest. However, once Damian Lillard was sidelined for the rest of the regular season with deep vein thrombosis, Porter took off. In his next 14 games, the guard put up 13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. There was an immediate difference.
Once Porter got even more comfortable having the ball in his hands, he truly took off. During his final five appearances of the regular season, a more in-control Porter emerged, averaging 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and an eye-popping 2.8 steals per matchup. While he came off the bench for most of his time in his entire Bucks tenure, Porter had more freedom once Lillard left, and it showed.
Now, with Lillard gone and Porter all but confirmed to be the Milwaukee Bucks' starting point guard, the team will depend on him to replicate this success in a much larger capacity. As all players dream, Porter will have significant responsibility on a team with title aspirations. If he answers the call, it will set him up for a reemergence this season and a major payday next summer.
While Kyle Kuzma is undoubtedly the team's most prominent X-factor, many could argue that Porter isn't too far behind. His ability to score the basketball will be essential in making sure that the tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner doesn't get burnt out. Of course, he can also pass and rebound tremendously, but his defense will also be essential. He will have a lot on his plate.
It was just one half, but Kevin Porter Jr. looked like a player up for the challenge in Milwaukee's opener against the Miami Heat in the preseason. In 15 minutes of action, Porter finished with 10 points, four assists, two rebounds, and a block and steal apiece. Offensively, he hit an array of tough shots and found his teammates. Defensively, he was engaged and hounded his matchups at every turn.
With no superstar point guard on the roster, all eyes are on Kevin Porter Jr. He clearly has the trust of the franchise, but it will be on him to prove them right.
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