When the Milwaukee Bucks acquired former LA Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. at the trade deadline, the move was met with (extremely valid) skepticism at the time. The guard undeniably had a lot of untapped offensive talent, but his off-court baggage and reputation for inconsistency made him a risky addition for a team looking to win a championship.
Weeks later, the Bucks’ 126-106 rout of the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers has all but proven that Porter is a strong contender for steal of the trade deadline.
In just 17 minutes, Porter dropped 22 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three while sinking all seven of his attempts from the free-throw line. His fingerprints were all over this game, and he continues to reward Doc Rivers' faith in him.
It was a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also hinted at his potential to fill the role initially meant for Kyle Kuzma.
Kevin Porter Jr. has a chance to be the Bucks' third scoring option
It didn't take long for the three newest Bucks to vindicate Jon Horst for his trade deadline moves, and Porter played a sizable role in that.
Put simply, Porter’s performance against the Lakers was nothing short of a masterclass in efficiency and explosiveness. He didn’t need a ton of minutes or touches to make an impact; he simply took what the defense gave him and capitalized.
Whether it was pulling up from deep, attacking the rim or drawing fouls, Porter was a nightmare for a Lakers’ defense that just couldn't keep up with his speed and ferocity. His ability to score in bunches and provide a spark off the bench is exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks have been missing all season.
What makes Porter’s performance even more impressive is the context. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard did their usual damage, but Porter’s scoring gave them an extra dimension that made them virtually unstoppable. It’s the kind of performance that made this writer wonder: could Porter be the Milwaukee Bucks’ unexpected third scoring option?
When the Bucks traded Khris Middleton, they had to have known that they were losing a player who could create his own shot from practically anywhere on the court. The hope was that Kyle Kuzma could eventually fill that role, and while he’s been solid, he hasn’t been the efficient scorer the Bucks hoped would complement their star duo.
The surprise, though, was that he took on a completely different role that ended up making all the difference for the Bucks: becoming their primary defender on the perimeter.
Enter Kevin Porter Jr. While he doesn’t get his numbers the same way Middleton did, he brings a similar ability to create offense when the Milwaukee Bucks need it most.
With Antetokounmpo and Lillard drawing most of the attention, Porter’s penchant for scoring in a hurry off the bench could be a game-changer in the playoffs. But the bigger question going forward is whether Porter can do this every night. His performance against the Lakers was a start, but he'll need to do the same against the league's more celebrated defenders before we can crown him the next great Milwaukee Bucks scorer.
The effect of an elite slasher is still completely different from what an elite shot-creator can give you when defenses start to shrink in the playoffs. Still, the early returns are promising, especially for a player the Milwaukee Bucks acquired straight up for MarJon Beauchamp.
Anyone watching the games can see that Porter’s impact also very clearly goes beyond scoring the rock. His quick first step and ability to handle the ball and create for others also consistently give the Milwaukee Bucks another playmaker in the pick-and-roll, while his defensive effort is just a happy bonus. If he can continue to produce at this level, he could be the X-factor the Bucks need to make a deep playoff run.
Kevin Porter Jr.’s 22-point outburst against the Lakers was a reminder of why the Bucks took a chance on him. While he may not be the traditional third scorer the Bucks envisioned, his ability to create offense and provide a spark off the bench makes him a valuable piece of the puzzle. Whether he can do this every night remains to be seen, but the early returns are promising.
For a team with championship aspirations, Porter’s emergence is a welcome development. If he can continue to produce at this level, the Bucks may have found their unexpected third scoring option—and with it, a new path to contention.