Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. both enjoyed career years last season because they controlled the Milwaukee Bucks' offense often. In particular, the pair thrived in pick-and-roll situations. If the Bucks land Jalen Duren, a scenario they reportedly have "serious" interest in, per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson (subscription required), his presence could take things up another notch.
Bucks' pick and roll would be lethal with Duren
Jalen Duren was excellent as the roll man in pick and rolls for the Detroit Pistons this past season. Per NBA.com/stats, Duren notched 242 points in such situations during the regular season, trailing Karl-Anthony Towns (243) and Maxime Raynaud (245). He was incredibly productive when being utilized in this particular situation, helping fuel an All-Star and All-NBA season.
In Milwaukee, both Rollins and Porter were useful scorers as the ball-handlers in these situations. Rollins finished 10th in total points as the ball-handler, while Porter was top 15 in points per game—given that he missed considerable time, it's not surprising that he wasn't near the top in total points. These numbers came with Giannis Antetokounmpo, a dominant roll man, missing significant time.
If the Milwaukee Bucks could bring Duren aboard while keeping Rollins and Porter, them relying on the pick and roll next season could be a rousing strength. Defenses would have to choose between one of the guards blowing by them at the hoop or having to quickly react to the dominant force that is Jalen Duren bulldozing his way to the rim. It's a dream scenario for this Milwaukee offense.
Porter and Rollins could see an uptick in their production, both in points and assists playing off Duren, which is exactly what they need as they look to secure long-term deals next summer.
Duren a better fit than Turner (for a few reasons)
Myles Turner is fine in the pick and roll, finishing 16th in total points there this past season. However, it is not his bread and butter. He's more of a floor spacer who likes to camp out on the perimeter. In a one-for-one comparison, the Milwaukee Bucks seemingly appear fine sacrificing Turner's perimeter shooting for Duren's interior dominance, given their lingering interest.
Of course, there is more to it than just one particular aspect of the game of basketball.
Beyond the pick and roll production, Duren is also eight years younger than Turner, meaning he'd be a better fit in this new youth-driven era. It would make much more sense to have Duren signed on long-term than Turner, giving him an opportunity to grow alongside the youngsters rather than potentially finish his prime just as they are finding their stride.
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