Ryan Rollins already broke out with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, but another leap seemed like it was inevitable, especially after the team cut fellow guard Kevin Porter Jr. Despite the added responsibility, which he embraced last season, Rollins has struggled mightily to play at that level, and his struggles are getting harder to ignore. Initially, it felt like he just needed to shake off the rust, but as the games go on, so do the struggles.
Rollins' struggles are hurting the Bucks
Milwaukee starting the season 1-for-4 doesn't all fall on Rollins' shoulders, but he has certainly played his part. Averaging just 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 0.6 steals per matchup, the guard's productivity is down considerably across the board—except in rebounds, in which he is tied. For a player who was supposed to take a leap, this is troubling.
It starts with the shooting efficiency (or lack thereof. The guard is hitting 33.8 percent of his field goal attempts. Among all players to attempt at least 65 shots this season, Rollins has the lowest field goal percentage. Compare that to last season, when he hit 47.2 percent of his shots, and it's clear to see why he's not having the same impact.
For a player many envisioned as the Milwaukee Bucks' go-to scoring option this season, Rollins' slow start has surprised just about everyone.
Loaded guard rotation playing a part
After leading the Milwaukee Bucks in minutes last season, Rollins is averaging the fifth-most on the team this year. Coach Taylor Jenkins has clearly favored Tyler Herro at the guard spot, and rightfully so amid his incredibly hot start. While Kevin Porter Jr. played a lot when he was healthy, he missed a lot of time last season, which led to more time for Rollins. This year is far different.
It also doesn't help that Jenkins is leaning into the youth movement by giving Kasparas Jakucionis and rookie Brayden Burries major roles right off the bat—and that they are excelling in them. Their development is clearly something he wants to get the ball rolling on, even if it takes away some minutes from Rollins, despite him starting.
Of course, it's early. We're five games into the season, so there is no reason to hit the panic button just yet. Rollins has time to snap this slump. However, largely due to the shooting numbers, his slow start has become very discouraging. The player who took the league by storm last season is still in there. Perhaps seeing a few shots go through the net could help spark a turnaround.
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