Ryan Rollins put together a sensational performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, pouring in 36 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The point guard was already having a career year, but his stock just keeps growing. What more does the NBA have to see to give the Milwaukee Bucks guard his flowers as this year's Most Improved Player? He's the clear definition of what it is all about.
Ryan Rollins' rise is a storybook ascension
Last season, Rollins was a quality rotation piece who made his mark due to an assortment of injuries. His numbers were solid, averaging 6.2 points, 1.9 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per matchup. After earning a well-deserved raise in the summer, many figured Rollins would take another leap this season with more minutes coming his way, but he has outdone those expectations.
This season, he's averaging 17.1 points, 5.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He's been one of the best two-way guards in the entire NBA. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. both dealing with significant injuries this season, Rollins has stepped up as Milwaukee's star player most nights, and, as the numbers suggest, he has thrived.
Looking at the leap from last season to this season, it's unfathomable that the guard isn't getting love in the Most Improved conversation.
NBA painfully ignoring Ryan Rollins' rise
Rollins went from being a two-way contract player who wasn't even in the rotation to start last year to a bona fide full-time starter this season. His numbers have increased mightily across the board, most notably with his scoring. No player has improved as much as him this season, but it feels like there is no chatter about him being in this conversation.
Lately, most of the talks have been around Detroit's Jalen Duren and Atlanta's Jalen Johnson. Yes, the two have both improved this season and were named first-time All-Stars, which is something Rollins did not receive. Still, those are two players who were already well-established before this season and had solid seasons under their belts. They didn't burst onto the scene as Rollins has.
Perhaps this 36-point explosion will give Rollins some attention as the regular season nears a close. In what has been a miserable season for the Milwaukee Bucks, seeing Rollins take home this honor would at least give them one silver lining as they head into what should be a turbulent summer. Whether the NBA recognizes it or not, the Bucks have a rising star in town.
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