With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. injured, Ryan Rollins, out of nowhere, became the Milwaukee Bucks' top option last season. He went from not being on the scouting report to being a player that teams gameplan for. Now, it looks like he will take a backseat to Tyler Herro in that regard, but that could help fuel another strong year for the guard due to the lack of defensive attention.
Herro's scoring gives Rollins a chance to thrive
Instead of Rollins being guarded by talented defenders like Ausur Thompson, Dyson Daniels, Davion Mitchell, and more every night, it will be Herro. After all, he is the one with the All-Star pedigree to his name. This means Rollins will find himself being hounded by the team's second or third best defender, giving him a chance to take advantage of the opportunity.
Sure, with a green light on offense, Herro is bound to take some shots away from Rollins, so it would be surprising if the latter surpassed last season's scoring numbers. However, that doesn't mean that he will become a shell of himself. Rollins will still get plenty of shot attempts, especially if Herro grows as a passer with the increased opportunity. Efficiency, which he excelled in last year, will be crucial.
Think about Jrue Holiday in New Orleans. The guard put up flashier numbers with the Pelicans due to having more control, but his impact was greater once he landed in Milwaukee. Though his production went down alongside Giannis, his efficiency shot through the roof because he had better chances to score and do what he does best, making him a greater threat on the offensive end.
Like Rollins is hoping for, it has resulted in quite a few massive paydays for Holiday. No, Herro isn't the Greek Freak, and Rollins isn't Holiday, but the point stands.
Rollins has a chance to earn himself a nice payday
You can pencil it in now that Rollins will decline his $4 million player option for 2027-28 the second he can next offseason. He will play on one of the NBA's best bang-for-your-buck deals this year, but once he can, the guard will seek a lucrative raise. With Herro in town, Rollins won't perform like a first option, but the best way to earn that check is by thriving in his role as a No. 2. He's more than capable.
There is a reason many have penciled these two in as Milwaukee's starting backcourt. They simply complement one another so well. Herro can be the top option and guide the offense with a scoring attack from all over the floor while Rollins plays off the ball and capitalizes off weaker matchups—that goes without even bringing up his complementary defense.
The Milwaukee Bucks could have a great one-two punch in town.
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