The worn-down Milwaukee Bucks offered Cormac Ryan an opportunity last season, and he grabbed it by the horns. Down the stretch, the wing was excellent, putting up excitement-stirring numbers. Now, while it looks like his path to playing time will be clouded in year two, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins let it be known that he's a fan of Ryan and what he's brought to camp and the preseason to this point.
"Cormac, just his relentless competitiveness. I love that about him. Everything that we're preaching, teaching, defensive side, pressure full-court, competing on the ball, staying in plays, giving multiple efforts, he's doing it. I love that about him...
For a guy in his position, competing for even more for himself individually, I think he can have a role for us this season."
Ryan has impressed since landing in town
There is no telling where exactly the wing might fit in Jenkins' rotation, but if he gets an opportunity, he won't take it lightly. In 11 games last season, Ryan burst onto the scene by averaging 14.3 points while hitting 52 percent of his shot attempts. His bucket-getting, paired with his feisty defense, made bringing him back a no-brainer move for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, after spending an entire offseason with the team, building chemistry with his teammates on and off the floor, Ryan could be even better. In addition to constantly working on his shot-making and just being competitive overall, Ryan told reporters recently that he packed on 15 pounds this offseason to help him in the physicality department. His drive to improve has no ceiling.
He has all of the makings to be a legitimate NBA player, and the Milwaukee Bucks clearly think so, too.
Bucks' guard overflow could impact Ryan
Even with Jenkins' faith in him on full display, Ryan still has an uphill battle to earn legitimate minutes, especially as he is on a two-way deal over a standard. In all likelihood, he will start the season as one of the team's depth pieces, and if there is an injury or if someone in the backcourt gets moved, there would be more opportunities for Ryan to get play again.
There are just simply too many guards on the roster for the time being. Yet, if the Milwaukee Bucks move on from AJ Green or Gary Trent Jr. anytime soon, that could be the opening Ryan needs to get back into the rotation. Last season, he showed elite marksmanship, something the team would need to replace if they lose either of those potential trade candidates.
For now, though, the guard must simply keep working each and every day as he aims to get better. With his competitive drive, no one will have to ask him twice.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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