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Can Ryan Rollins Bounce Back for Bucks After Being Benched?
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- Can Ryan Rollins Bounce Back for Bucks After Being Benched?
Ryan Rollins blossomed into a regular starter for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, but after a 1-5 start, new coach Taylor Jenkins moved him to the bench.
Rollins started 67 of his 74 games last season, embracing the lead guard mantle while injuries sidelined superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to a career-low 36 games. He averaged 17.3 points on 47.2% shooting and 40.6% from three, with 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals.
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Milwaukee rewarded his breakout season with a three-year, $12 million contract, taking full advantage of the 24-year-old's Early Bird Rights.
The Bucks paired him with Tyler Herro in the backcourt, forming a dynamic duo who can share ball-handling duties and push the pace in Jenkins' offensive system.
Herro has thrived, leading the team in scoring with 21.9 points. Rollins has regressed, averaging 11 points and shooting an ice-cold 26.3% from three.
His early-season struggles led Milwaukee's coach to shake up the starting lineup in Monday's 112-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves .
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Rollins' Playstyle Is Too Inefficient
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The 6-foot-3 guard is driving to the rim less often. He's averaging 1.7 free-throw attempts per game and 0.85 points per shot on layups, which is in the 15th percentile.
Alongside his struggles at the rim is the lack of a pull-up jumper. Rollins is shooting 39.1% on catch-and-shoot threes and 7.1% on pull-ups.
His quick first step forces the defense to play at the level of the screen to prevent a downhill drive. When the defender bites on his drive, he steps back to create enough separation for a lightly contested pull-up.
That's been practically nonexistent in the first seven games, and it's mucking up his game.
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Competition with Rookie Brayden Burries
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Jenkins started Burries in place of Rollins against Minnesota. The rookie finished with nine points on 4-for-11 shooting and 1-for-7 from three, and nine rebounds.
Burries is the stockier guard, weighing 35 pounds more. He attacks the rim relentlessly, fighting through physicality and converting tough layups.
The rookie's key development is his playmaking, averaging 1.3 assists per game. Rollins averages 4.4 assists, with six against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23 and seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday.
He and Myles Turner built a strong pick-and-pop game last season. His slashing speed drew two defenders, leaving a fading Turner wide open at the 3-point line.
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There's Time for Rollins to Bounce Back
It's only been seven games, but a 1-5 start called for a change from Jenkins. His shooting struggles weakened his case to remain as a starter, with Herro running away with the primary ball-handling role.
Rollins must rediscover his off-the-dribble shooting touch to open more driving lanes for more opportunities to create advantages for himself and his teammates.
