It's clear that the Milwaukee Bucks have a hidden gem on their hands in two-way guard Ryan Rollins.
When he's gotten playing time, the youngster has flashed undeniable signs of potential with his play on both sides of the basketball. However, Doc Rivers has had a tough time finding minutes for him in games when the team is healthy. With Gary Trent Jr. banged up ahead of Sunday's game, Rollins may have gotten some extra burn, but he was also out with an illness. The Bucks missed him dearly.
The Bucks could have used a defensive jolt against the Knicks
One of Ryan Rollins' greatest strengths is his defense. The 22-year-old continues to impress on that side of things, boasting one of the best defended field goal percentages on the entire Bucks roster by holding opponents to 38.1 percent shooting. A player capable of making such an impact on that side of things, especially against guards, would have been useful against the New York Knicks.
Milwaukee's defenders were torched by New York's guards, with Jalen Brunson going off for 44 points on 61.5 percent shooting, while Cameron Payne poured in 18 off the bench. Ryan Rollins isn't shutting either player down defensively, but he could have provided some needed resistance if he brought his usual brand of tough defense, especially with the other top defenders in foul trouble early on.
Instead, the Milwaukee Bucks could not find any answer defensively.
Rollins' absence hurt in this game, and it certainly didn't help that the Milwaukee Bucks were without one of their other young stars in two-guard Gary Trent Jr.
When the guard has earned an opportunity to play due to an injury or illness, Rollins has done nothing but perform, even with his banged-up shoulder. He's been a big part of the defensive turnaround over the last handful of games, and Doc Rivers should find some minutes for him. Slowing down these fast guards, one of Milwaukee's weaknesses, is an area Ryan Rollins could undeniably help this team in.
It won't be surprising if the Milwaukee Bucks sign Rollins to a standard contract the second they free up a roster spot - if they do. He has all of the tools to help this team whenever he touches the court. He could end up being a major piece of this rotation down the stretch, but first, he must overcome this illness that has hit a good chunk of the Bucks' locker room already.
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