Over the last two seasons, Ryan Rollins went from barely being in the NBA to a Most Improved Player snub, and he's still got plenty of room to grow. No matter what happens with the Milwaukee Bucks, who are likely to undergo some serious roster renovations this summer, Rollins is looking like a key piece of the future. With a new coach in town after the Taylor Jenkins hiring, the guard is ready to roll.
Milwaukee's rising youngster made his current mindset clear in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.
"It’s a good situation that we’re coming into, having a new head coach. I don’t know all that’s going to be switched around by the time next season comes, but I’m just ready to come in and make an impact, continue the growth, build a culture, and build a winning foundation. You know what I mean? That’s really what I’m keyed in on and ready for next season.”
Rollins' growth will be essential for Bucks
With injuries striking down players for long stretches from the moment the season began, Rollins saw an increased role he never initially expected. As soon as Kevin Porter Jr. went down in the first outing of the year, Rollins went from being a bench piece to a full-blown starter. His contributions became all the more important once Giannis Antetokounmpo's injuries started popping up.
Perhaps the only silver lining in Milwaukee's disastrous season, Rollins exploded and raised his stock mightily, becoming a legitimate two-way threat. His growth from last season to this season featured a leap unlike almost any other player to ever lace them up. Based on his comments, Rollins knows that he has higher mountains to climb, and the Milwaukee Bucks need it.
Whether Giannis stays in town or not, Rollins will be a key component of Milwaukee's success. Two-way guards like him don't grow on trees. He has a long way to go, but there's a reason comparisons to two-way savants like Jrue Holiday have been floating around. Rollins has the tools, but it will be up to him to put the pieces together.
Jenkins can help fuel Rollins' development
Doc Rivers helped Rollins spread his wings, but at times, it felt like it was because he had to—Rollins coming off the bench and only blooming due to Porter's injury stands out. Jenkins should come in and immediately embrace the guard from day one. The 23-year-old needs a coach who will hand him the keys and bring the best out of him.
Jenkins can certainly do that, and Bucks fans should be excited after seeing what their new coach did with Ja Morant in Memphis. While not all of it was due to Jenkins' guidance, Morant was a Rookie of the Year and multi-time All-Star under him. Jenkins knows how to work with guards, and the hope is that he can do the same for Rollins.
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