The Milwaukee Bucks are learning the hard way what the LA Clippers already knew: Kevin Porter Jr. can be a handful - and not always in a good way.
Porter Jr., now nearly a year removed from being traded by the Clippers, has struggled to find his rhythm in Milwaukee. And while the Bucks hoped he could be part of the solution, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future looming over the franchise, the recent stretch of games suggests he might be more of a problem than an answer.
A Rough Start to 2026
The numbers don’t lie. Over the last eight games, Porter Jr. has averaged 13.0 points and 7.4 assists while shooting just 38.1% from the field and a dismal 23.1% from three.
Those are tough splits for any starting point guard, especially one logging nearly 34 minutes per game. But it’s not just about the stats - it’s about the impact.
And right now, Porter Jr. isn’t moving the needle in the right direction.
The low point? A scoreless outing against the Spurs where he finished with zero points and just two assists in 23 minutes before getting benched. That kind of performance raises red flags, not just about his shooting, but about his overall presence on the floor.
Asking for More Than He Gives
Porter Jr. has always had the ability to create off the dribble and make flashy passes, but the Bucks need more than occasional highlights. They need consistency, leadership, and two-way effort - especially if he’s going to be a primary ball-handler for a team fighting to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Right now, Milwaukee is 4-4 in the new year and sitting outside the play-in picture. That’s not where a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo should be.
And while there are multiple factors at play, Porter Jr.’s role can’t be ignored. He’s been leading the team in minutes over the last eight games - more than Giannis, more than Ryan Rollins, more than AJ Green.
That’s a coaching decision that deserves scrutiny.
Doc Rivers Has a Decision to Make
Head coach Doc Rivers has to take a long look at how he’s deploying his roster. Giving Porter Jr. the most minutes during a critical stretch - when he’s clearly not producing - raises questions about the rotation and the direction of this team.
Porter Jr.’s averages of 16.8 points and 7.4 assists on the season may look decent on paper, but they don’t tell the full story. The Clippers knew what they were doing when they moved on from him at the 2025 trade deadline. Lawrence Frank and the front office recognized that Porter Jr., while talented, lacked the consistency and defensive commitment needed to help a team win when it matters most.
Time for the Bucks to Re-Evaluate?
The Bucks are in a precarious spot. They’re trying to keep Giannis happy, stay competitive in the East, and build something sustainable. But giving major minutes to a player who hasn’t shown he can be a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor - especially in high-leverage moments - isn’t the way forward.
Porter Jr. has tools. He’s got vision, he can score in bursts, and he’s capable of making plays.
But right now, those flashes are overshadowed by the inconsistency and the lack of defensive effort. And if Milwaukee’s front office is serious about contending - or even making the playoffs - they may need to start thinking about whether Porter Jr. fits into that picture at all.
Because if the Bucks are counting on him to be a key piece, they might be in for a rude awakening.