What a career it’s been for point guard Ryan Rollins during his three years in the league. After only playing 22 games between his time with the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, Rollins came into Milwaukee on a two-way contract after the All-Star break in 2024. With injuries to Damian Lillard throughout the year, Rollins took advantage and broke out in a big way last season. For that, he comes in at no. 8 on RTR, up nine spots from the start of last season.
For his efforts, Rollins earned
himself a fully guaranteed contract worth $12m over three years this offseason, with the last year of that deal being a player option. Thanks to a bigger volume of playing time and touches, Rollins set career highs in minutes (14.6), points (6.2), rebounds (1.9), and assists per game (1.9). Rollins is a jack of all trades kind of player on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 66.7% from the restricted area, 46.8% from the paint outside the restricted area, 40.6% from the mid range, and 40.8% from the three-point line (2.1 attempts from that range). He has the chops to score both off the dribble and catch-and-shoot, with 56.1% of his makes being assisted and 43.9% unassisted. While he doesn’t have an All-Star level ceiling offensively, there is still more to unlock, and he can surely average in double-figures with an even bigger role than he had last season.
But defense was really what got Rollins into the rotation in the first place. Rollins had the best defensive field goal percentage on the Bucks at 43.6%—1.7% better than Giannis—and nearly averaged a steal per game (0.8). He also had the second-best defensive rating on the Bucks with a 108.6 rating, one point behind AJ Green. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan and an 8’4.5″ standing reach, he has an exceptional physical profile and makes life hell for most ball handlers in front of him. His ceiling is much higher on the defensive end; there, he could be an All-Defensive second-teamer.
As for his role, he is in firm contention to be the starting point guard. It may end up being duked out during training camp, but he has carved out quite the role for himself after last year. I could see anywhere from 17 to 24 minutes per game for Rollins, a substantial increase from 2024–25. I think he has one of the best potentials out of the young players on the team to be a star in his role.
Rollins has proven himself to be a key contributor to the Bucks, but just how significant an impact will he make in 2025? Go ahead and vote in the poll below to tell us how much you think Rollins will be involved in the playoff rotation.
Be sure to leave your comments on Rollins, and if you think he was ranked too high, too low, or just right. We’re getting closer and closer to the top five, so make sure you vote before tomorrow at 9 a.m. (Central)!
