Ryan Rollins' shot-making growth has been a rare positive storyline for the Milwaukee Bucks in a miserable 2025-26 season. However, people have finally started to take notice, with Dave DuFour and Fred Katz of The Athletic NBA Daily recently praising the guard, going as far as to compare him to an incredibly beloved Bucks figure, Khris Middleton.
Katz: "The off the dribble stuff this year has just been on another level. The step back has been the Bucks' bail out shot, especially when Giannis is out, late in possessions. He kind of gets that like, four seconds left in the possession, Khris Middleton, give it to him, sort of thing. He's kind of that new guy."
Any comparison to Middleton's shot-making is welcome
Middleton's step-back was notorious. During Milwaukee's 2021 playoff run, the veteran forward was on a different level in that regard, shooting 21-of-34 (61.8 percent) on his step-backs. Rollins hasn't quite gotten to that level just yet, but with the way he's played this season, it feels like he could certainly get there soon enough.
On the season, Rollins is shooting 77-of-172 (44.8 percent) on his step-backs. It's among the reasons he's had one of the biggest year-to-year scoring leaps in NBA history. When the Milwaukee Bucks are in need of a bucket, the possession typically ends with Rollins heaving a step-back. With the way he has shot it this season, the Milwaukee Bucks will live with that every single time.
Rollins and Middleton share the clutch gene
For both players, this step-back shot became their go-to in the clutch. When the stakes were high, they both called for the ball, went to work, and often found success.
Khris Middleton's clutch heroics in Milwaukee's championship run will never be forgotten. He shot 15-of-33 (45.5 percent) on his clutch-time shot attempts in that playoff stretch as the Bucks fought tooth and nail to hoist the trophy. This year, Rollins is shooting 28-of-49 (57.1 percent) in clutch situations, the best percentage in the NBA among players who have attempted 49 such shots. Whew.
No one is saying Rollins is on Middleton's level yet, but he could certainly be working his way there. The sheer growth that he has gone through over the past two seasons has been remarkable, and it has all started with his confidence. He's seen more responsibility as a creator than ever before due to various injuries, which has helped fuel this breakout. Hopefully he's just getting started in Milwaukee.
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