When the Bucks decided to waive Kevin Porter Jr., they were content with their decision and hopeful that his dismissal would lead to better production from their other guards. However, that reality hasn't panned out so far for Ryan Rollins, who's having a much worse campaign than last season.
Rollins has crashed back down to earth this season after a breakout last season that almost won him the Most Improved Player award. Perhaps Porter's presence was essential to his success and he needs someone to fill that role before he can get back to playing his best ball.
Ryan Rollins needs to find his footing again
It's not just that Rollins has plateaued or regressed slightly from last season; he's actually been awful to start this season. He's averaging just 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting 34% from the field and 27% from three. The dip in efficiency has been the most concerning part and possibly related to Porter's absence.
Rollins does get to play with Tyler Herro in the backcourt this season, but Herro isn't the same level of playmaker as Porter. Last season, Porter averaged 7 assists per game, the highest mark on the Bucks. Rollins is considered the point guard for the Bucks now, but he really thrives with another passer next to him.
Fortunately, the Bucks might have found the solution in Kasparas Jakucionis. The young addition is a natural pass-first point guard and arguably already the team's best playmaker. Pairing him with Rollins more often could help both find more success. Hopefully it can even help Rollins regain his form from last season, when he averaged 17 points per game and shot 47% from the field and 41% from three.
Porter's dismissal was still the correct call
Even if waiving Porter has hurt Rollins so far, the Bucks still don't have regrets about the move. They'd rather roll the dice with having Jakucionis as an instrumental part of their backcourt going forward. He's 6 years younger than Porter and projects to have a higher ceiling thanks to his size, too.
On the other hand, Rollins should be able to adapt based on his backcourt mate if he is going to be a proven mainstay of the Bucks going forward. So far this season, he hasn't shown that at all. At this rate, the Bucks should feel ok with trading Rollins for the right return package rather than treating him as an absolute untouchable.
Everyone would love to see Rollins return to his form from last season, but his interim struggles are also valuable information for the Bucks front office moving forward. They should play a role in deciding how the Bucks approach his upcoming contract negotiations, since he could become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
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