Even in a season where not much has gone right for the Milwaukee Bucks, Ryan Rollins is quietly putting together the best stretch of his NBA career-and it’s not just about the numbers. While Milwaukee’s 11-17 start has raised more questions than answers, Rollins has emerged as one of the few bright spots, carving out a meaningful role and showing real growth in his fourth year in the league.
What’s changed? For starters, opportunity.
Rollins is averaging 31.6 minutes per game and has started 26 of the 28 games he’s played. That’s a major leap in responsibility, and he’s making the most of it.
He’s putting up career highs across the board: 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Those aren’t just solid numbers-they’re the kind of stats that suggest a player who’s starting to figure it out, both in terms of confidence and command on the floor.
But Rollins’ leap isn’t just about more minutes-it’s about mentorship. In a recent interview, he credited two key voices in his development: Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and former NBA point guard Rajon Rondo, who’s currently serving as a coaching assistant in Milwaukee.
“I’ve learned from Doc, and Rajon Rondo is around a lot, too,” Rollins said. “I’ve been learning the game from their perspectives, talking through the game with them, and learning. I think that’s been the biggest thing, along with getting these reps and experience.”
That’s a telling quote. Rollins didn’t just mention Rondo in passing-he went out of his way to spotlight him. And that matters.
Rondo, known for his elite basketball IQ during his playing days, has always been a coach on the floor. Whether it was orchestrating the Celtics' offense alongside the Big Three or stepping into a key leadership role with the Lakers, Rondo brought a cerebral edge to every team he played for. Now, he's channeling that insight from the sidelines-and Rollins is soaking it all in.
It’s not hard to see the influence. Rollins is reading defenses better, making smarter passes, and showing improved poise in crunch-time situations.
That kind of growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum-it comes from film sessions, conversations, and reps with people who’ve been there before. Rondo’s presence, even in an unofficial role, is clearly resonating.
Let’s not forget: Rollins chose this path. He re-signed with Milwaukee this past offseason on a three-year, $12 million deal-a move that flew under the radar but now looks like a win for both sides.
The Lakers had a chance to make a move but didn’t. Meanwhile, Rollins doubled down on his belief that Milwaukee was the right place to grow, and so far, he’s been proven right.
There’s still a long way to go for the Bucks this season, and plenty of issues to sort out. But in a year full of turbulence, Ryan Rollins has found stability-and maybe even a breakout.
With Rondo in his corner and a larger role in hand, Rollins is turning potential into production. And that’s a storyline worth keeping an eye on.