The expectations for Ryan Rollins in 2025-26 were to just be a solid backup point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. What has actually transpired this season has been far more than they could possibly have imagined.
The fourth-year guard and former second-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks is making 51% of his shots, and 43% of his threes. Rollins put up 32 points and 14 assists in the team’s last game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Having to come in and replace Damian Lillard at the point guard spot cannot be easy. But the Toledo product has been a revelation for the Bucks, and at a big time, too.
The biggest goal is making sure Giannis Antetokounmpo is content here. Rollins play this season could have lasting effects on the franchise.
How It All Started In Milwaukee for Ryan Rollins
Ryan Rollins was almost out of the league altogether less than 24 months ago. After being arrested seven different times for petty theft at Target, it might appear that something like this could take a player out of the league. He was also a free agent at the time, having been let go by the Washington Wizards.
After failing to make the Milwaukee Bucks roster at the start of the 2023-24 season, Rollins signed a two-way contract in February 2024. He was hardly used, but the following season, would be converted to a standard contract late in the year.
The opportunity finally came when the team lost Damian Lillard for an extended stretch a season ago. Rollins slotted in as the interim starter, and made the most of his chances. He didn’t exactly tear it up, but posted two 20-point efforts, as well as four games of at least three steals on the defensive end.
Fast forward to the 2025-26 campaign, and Ryan Rollins is one of the hottest players in the association. As mentioned above, he posted 32 points and 14 assists in a narrow overtime loss to the 76ers on Thursday night.
He did this without Giannis playing, by the way.
This isn’t the first time he put up 30+ on a team with an All-Star guard on the other side. After Rollins big night against the Golden State Warriors at the end of October, he received a signed jersey from Stephen Curry himself.
The Rollins story may still just be getting started. He’s just 23 years old.
What a Year for Ryan Rollins
In the offseason, Ryan Rollins signed a 3-year, $12 million deal to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. His production on the floor has absolutely blown away the amount he was making, and this is now one of the biggest steals in the NBA.
Rollins is averaging 18 points and six assists per night, while making more than 50% of his shots. He has also been the one to guard the best ball handlers on the other team. The ferocious and defensive effort is what got him the opportunity in the first place. All the crazy production is truly just an added bonus.
There were some concerns from Bucks fans when Kevin Porter Jr. got hurt on opening night. But as soon as he did, Rollins opened the door. And it is very difficult now, to imagine a world where the starting role doesn’t stay in his hands.
A special shoutout to Detroit Pistons two-way guard Daniss Jenkins, making just $85,000 this year and putting up incredible numbers as a spot starter on a two-way contract. It’s something about those Central division backup guards thriving as starters.
For now, we’re all watching with awe as Rollins cooks opposing defenses. It’s been special to see, and it has given new life to a Bucks team that was in need of something. Something they can now call their own for at least the next three campaigns.
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