Overlooked Doc Rivers fact could propel Bucks point guards next season

The point guard whisperer.
Milwaukee Bucks v Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks v Denver Nuggets | Jamie Schwaberow/GettyImages

As a point guard himself back in the day, Doc Rivers knows a thing or two about the position. That is one of the reasons why plenty of floor generals, including Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, and others, have their best seasons under Rivers. The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping that their young floor generals can take the next step in 2025-26 under Rivers, like the many point guards before them.

Doc Rivers could fuel breakouts for Bucks point guards

The Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they are fine with a point guard rotation consisting of Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony. Unlike past seasons, there is no household name running the point for Milwaukee. Doc Rivers isn't inheriting Damian Lillard. He has a group of younger guards who still have some growing to do, and he must embrace that.

It will be his job to help them evolve.

While Rivers is mostly known for coaching star guards, he does have some experience guiding young ones who are on the path to stardom. He coached both Tyrese Maxey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the early parts of their careers, and they both went on to be All-Stars (one of them is an MVP and NBA Finals MVP). The Milwaukee Bucks would love to get that production out of their guards.

Of course, Rivers isn't solely responsible for the success of those two, but he certainly may have had a hand in helping start their careers on the right path. Porter, Rollins, and Anthony aren't rookies, but they are all still fairly young and still have room to grow. With no veteran to play ahead of them next season, Rivers must do everything he can to maximize these three. It's his only choice.

Rivers is rumored to be particularly fond of Rollins, who has household two-way threat written all over him if he can take the next step. Porter could quietly be Milwaukee's second leading scorer next year if he puts the pieces together. Anthony could quickly become one of the biggest steals of the year, giving Milwaukee a potential game-changer in the second unit.

The potential is there. It all starts with how Doc Rivers wants to use these guards.

The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping they have some names next up on Doc Rivers' list of legends he's coached at the point guard spot over the years.

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