Even when fully healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks have issues; imagine what an injury to one of their key players might do to them. Well, they might have to brace for that reality as they take on the defending NBA Champion New York Knicks Tuesday night, as Tyler Herro is listed as questionable due to a knee contusion. If Herro is out, someone must step up, and the spotlight will be on Ryan Rollins.
Ryan Rollins needs a breakthrough
Whether Herro plays or not, he won't be 100 percent. He has comfortably been the team's top player this season, averaging the most points while being tied for the lead in assists. Someone must take on some of the responsibility if the Bucks want to make this game competitive, and Rollins, whom many thought would take the title of being the team's engine this season, is the ideal candidate.
If Herro sits, Rollins will likely start. If Herro plays, Rollins will come off the bench but should see an uptick in responsibility regardless. No matter when he touches the floor, the goal will be for Rollins to get back into a groove. He's regressed mightily compared to a season ago, and his role has rapidly been decreasing. This could be his shot to prove he's deserving of more minutes, not fewer.
Above all else, this would be a great time for a scoring breakthrough. If Herro sits, the Bucks will be without a 21.4 point per game scorer, and his touches must go somewhere. The entire reason that Rollins broke through last season was because of injuries to key players, and it would be fitting if it is the reason he finally gets back on track.
Sitting at just 1-9 on the season, the Milwaukee Bucks desperately need their guard.
Rollins' struggles could push him out
It would be hard to argue that anyone but Rollins is the most disappointing Milwaukee Bucks player this season. Sure, Myles Turner has been bad, but expectations around him certainly weren't quite as high as they were for Rollins. Again, this is a player many thought would be the best player the Bucks employ this coming season. That hasn't happened. Not even close.
If his struggles persist, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Milwaukee Bucks field trade offers. Rollins will be a free agent next summer, and the Bucks are already leaning on their young guards, Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis. If they can open up even more minutes for them while also getting assets for Rollins before potentially losing him for nothing, it's worth exploring.
That's only if he struggles, though. If he gets back on the right track, perhaps this chatter dies down. It all starts with his performance Tuesday night.
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