When Kevin Porter Jr. returned to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup, he looked like the type of piece who could be a game-changer. However, after a scorchingly hot December, the honeymoon phase has concluded, and Porter's January has been horrendous. Milwaukee's starting point guard has to find his groove as the team's playoff hopes are currently on life support.
The Milwaukee Bucks need Kevin Porter Jr. to find his stride fast
In seven January appearances, Porter is averaging 13.6 points, 7.4 assists, and two steals per game. The passing and defensive awareness have been great, but his scoring has been downright horrific. He's shooting a mere 38 percent from the field, including 23.1 percent from downtown. That includes a scoreless 0-of-9 shooting outing in Milwaukee's blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
That type of production won't cut it as a go-to starting guard.
That's quite the contrast to his stellar December. In 13 games last month, the guard put up a line of 19.9 points, eight assists, and 2.5 steals per game, shooting 47.3 percent from the field, including a strong 37.5 percent from deep. That version of Porter looked like an All-Star who could be the true running mate to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yet, that Porter vanished as the new year began.
Obviously, the 3-point shooting has regressed, which is impacting his production, but he's also failed to find his groove from inside the arc. This month, he's shooting just 33.3 percent in the paint (non-restricted area) and 36.8 percent in the mid-range. Shots that he sank last month (45.2 percent and 51.4 percent, respectively) are not falling anymore. That's plaguing this offense.
None of this is to solely point the finger at Kevin Porter Jr. Ryan Rollins has also been stuck in the mud. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma aren't picking up the slack. It's easy to forget that Gary Trent Jr. is on the team sometimes. However, given the All-Star-like prowess Porter flashed over the last month, it's particularly evident when he is the one struggling. The Milwaukee Bucks badly need him.
As a whole, the Bucks are dysfunctional. They need help anywhere they can get it. It looks like they are hoping a big swing trade can save their season. With the way they are performing right now, it might take far more than that to get this team back on the right track. Porter alone won't be able to save things, either, but he can certainly help greatly.
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