Kevin Porter Jr. has played just nine minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, and it will be a long time before he logs more. While he was recovering from a nasty ankle sprain, the guard suffered a meniscus injury that will require a minor procedure, per the team. He is expected to be reevaluated in four weeks. For now, Milwaukee's other guards must take on even more responsibility.
Bucks' backcourt already has a gaping hole, but others are helping fill it
Porter has had a brutal start to the season. Poised to be a starter from day one and prove he can be a useful contributor on a contender, his time on the court has been scarce due to injury. There is still a lot of basketball left, but Porter is already facing significant adversity. In the meantime, the Bucks will keep relying on Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony to pick up the slack.
With Porter missing time, Rollins and Anthony have both welcomed their increased roles and usage.
Rollins, filling in the Porter, has looked like a new player this season. Following career nights of 25 and 32 points in his last two games, the guard is now averaging 18.6 points per game, ranking second on the Bucks behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo. That goes without mentioning his superb defense or pristine passing. It's early, but he looks like a surefire Most Improved Player candidate.
Speaking of looking like a new player, the Anthony who had a down year with the Magic last season is a distant memory. Off the Bucks' bench, he's averaging 13 points (fourth on the team) and 5.8 assists (second on the team). The newcomer has been a shot in the arm at every turn, finding an opening for a shot or using his vision to kick it to the open shooter.
Rollins is currently averaging 31 minutes per game, while Anthony is at 21. They've both been crucial cogs for the Milwaukee Bucks, and that won't change anytime soon. As Porter recovers, they will get the opportunity to continue shining. The most important thing will be creating shots to take pressure off of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a role Porter was slated to play. They've both shown they are capable.
The Bucks are off to a strong 4-1 start, and that's with their lead guard missing time. Once they are able to eventually integrate him back into the mix, they should be even better.
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