The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves at a challenging 2-8 record following a tough loss to the New York Knicks on Friday, followed by another difficult loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. However, amidst the struggles, a spark of hope has emerged within the Milwaukee Bucks rotation. After the Knicks game, Coach Doc Rivers announced Ryan Rollins would take over the backup guard role from veteran Delon Wright, praising Rollins’ athleticism. This decision marks a shift for Rivers, who is traditionally known for leaning on experienced players.
Milwaukee Bucks Rotation: Young Players Offer Hope During Early Struggles
While the Bucks’ record reflects a team in transition, the emergence of Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr., and A.J. Green offers a glimmer of promise. These young talents have injected energy and potential into a roster searching for answers.
Ryan Rollins: Taking the Next Step
Rollins’ promotion to backup guard highlights his rapid development. He first caught attention in the win over the Utah Jazz, playing just four minutes but showing flashes of his potential with a rebound and a steal. Against the Knicks, his minutes jumped to 12, and he responded with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting, three assists, and a steal while posting a game-high +8 in the plus-minus column. While he didn’t score against Boston, he had three blocks in his 12 minutes and again was a +8.
Rollins’ emergence is especially crucial given Milwaukee’s limited trade options. With few assets to make roster moves, the Bucks need internal development to fill gaps. Rollins’ ability to push the pace, create for teammates, and defend makes him an exciting prospect. As Rivers continues to trust him, Rollins’ growth could provide the Bucks with much-needed depth in their rotation.
Andre Jackson Jr.: Defensive Energy and Versatility
Second-year forward Andre Jackson Jr. has also earned a larger role in Rivers’ rotation. After limited minutes early in the season, Jackson has received 15-plus minutes per game in the past six games, showcasing his defensive energy and versatility.
Against the Utah Jazz, Jackson delivered one of his best performances, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting, with three rebounds, four assists, and a block in 28 minutes. His quick rotations and aggressive closeouts disrupted Utah’s offensive flow.
Jackson’s relentless motor and ability to guard multiple positions provide a spark the Bucks have often lacked. Though his inexperience occasionally shows, his potential to become a defensive disruptor is clear. Rivers’ trust in Jackson has allowed him to develop into a key piece of Milwaukee’s effort to regain its footing.
A.J. Green: Sharpshooting and Consistency
A.J. Green has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon, solidifying his role as one of the league’s most efficient shooters. Coach Rivers praised his offseason work during Media Day, saying,
“You didn’t see him much, but we saw him all summer, and he was phenomenal.”
That praise has translated into results. Green currently leads the NBA in three-point percentage (60.5%) among players with at least 15 attempts, per StatMuse. Against Utah, he scored 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting from deep, helping to space the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Against the Knicks, he added nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. He went 4-6 from long range against Boston on Sunday.
Youth Shines Through Milwaukee Bucks Rotation
Despite the Bucks’ rough 2-8 start, the emergence of Rollins, Jackson, and Green offers a bright spot. These young players have stepped up in critical moments, providing athleticism, defensive energy, and sharpshooting. Rivers’ willingness to trust his young talent, a departure from his usual reliance on veterans, has been instrumental.
As Milwaukee navigates its struggles and limited trade flexibility, the development of these young players could prove pivotal. Their growth not only injects new energy into the roster but also gives the Bucks a reason to believe that brighter days may still lie ahead.
