Ryan Rollins was not going to let a shoulder injury stop him from having a breakout season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024-25. Despite getting hurt in November, the guard opted to hold off on any surgery to continue playing. He became a nightly contributor, and he could potentially take it a step further this coming season after seemingly undergoing surgery this offseason to fix a major injury.
Bucks guard Ryan Rollins could be healthy this coming season
Rollins posted a workout video on his Instagram, where he was sporting a massive brace on his arm, indicating that he underwent surgery on his injured shoulder. Rollins dislocated the shoulder during a November 12 meeting with the Toronto Raptors in what was the best game of his career to that point.
Rather than playing through injury like he did for a majority of last year, the guard will likely be healthy for the start of the season, a great sign as he looks to build off a career year.
Though the guard didn't put up the flashiest numbers, averaging 6.2 points and 1.9 assists per game, Rollins left his mark whenever he touched the court. He was a relentless defender, utilizing his height and wingspan to hound his matchup. He provided quality floor spacing, knocking in 40.8 percent of his triple tries. Despite inconsistent minutes and the lingering injury, he made his presence felt.
Last season could only be the beginning. At 23, Rollins is still incredibly young and should be in the Milwaukee Bucks' long-term plans. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, and it's far from a controversial statement to say the team should bring him back. He looks like a building block for the future of the franchise who could grow into a legitimate nightly contributor on both sides of the ball.
While it doesn't need further justification, bringing back Rollins should be a priority as well because the Milwaukee Bucks need guard help in Damian Lillard's absence. Rollins seemingly earned the trust of Doc Rivers as the season went on, becoming the team's starting floor general, and the two could build on that partnership if they are both still in town.
A healthy Ryan Rollins could be a Bucks' breakout candidate worth keeping a close eye on next year. Rollins has limitless two-way potential written all over him.
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