Milwaukee’s Backcourt Shuffle: With KPJ Hurt Again, Cole Anthony May Get Another Shot
Just when it looked like the Milwaukee Bucks were turning a corner, reality hit-hard. Kevin Porter Jr., fresh off a 30-point performance that helped snap a brutal seven-game losing streak, exited Monday’s loss to the Washington Wizards with what’s been reported as a lower back spasm. Now, the Bucks are left wondering if they’ll have to lean on Cole Anthony once again to stabilize a backcourt that’s been anything but consistent.
Let’s be clear: Porter’s return was a jolt of electricity to a team that desperately needed one. In his first game back, he helped power a win over the Brooklyn Nets, and on Monday, he looked like the best player on the floor-dropping a game-high 30 points on an absurd 12-of-15 shooting clip.
That’s 80 percent from the field, folks. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen; it’s the mark of a player who’s locked in and in rhythm.
But just as quickly as he re-emerged, Porter was gone again-leaving the game with about seven minutes to play and not returning. There’s no official word yet on how serious the back issue is, but anytime a player exits with that kind of discomfort, it raises concern, especially for a team already battling injuries and inconsistency.
Enter Cole Anthony-Maybe.
Anthony started the season with a spark, showing flashes of what made him a first-round pick. He brought energy, shot-making, and a bit of swagger to a team that needed all of the above.
But lately, he’s been an afterthought in Doc Rivers’ rotation. Over the last three games, he’s logged just 17 total minutes, including fewer than five in Washington.
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Still, with Porter potentially sidelined again, Anthony could find himself back in the mix. The Bucks need someone who can create off the dribble, push the pace, and provide a scoring punch off the bench.
That’s what Anthony was brought in to do. Whether he gets the green light again depends on how Rivers decides to handle yet another lineup shuffle.
And that’s been a theme this season-constant change. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury threw a wrench into things, and Rivers has been searching for a combination that sticks.
In the last two games, he’s started both Porter and Ryan Rollins in the backcourt. Rollins, to his credit, has stepped up when called upon.
But the rest of the rotation? Still very much a work in progress.
The Clock Is Ticking
With the Bucks sitting at 9-13 and outside the play-in picture, the pressure is starting to mount. Monday’s loss came at the hands of the Eastern Conference’s worst team, and that kind of result doesn’t sit well with a franchise that came into the season with playoff aspirations.
December 15 looms large. That’s when a significant chunk of the league becomes trade-eligible, and if GM Jon Horst decides this roster needs a shake-up, that’s the window to do it. Milwaukee may not want to wait too long to make a move-especially if Porter’s health continues to be a question mark and Anthony can’t seize the opportunity in front of him.
The Bottom Line
The Bucks know what they’re getting from Giannis every night. That’s not the issue.
The challenge is finding the right mix of players around him who can stay healthy, stay consistent, and keep the offense flowing. Porter looked like he could be that guy-at least for two games.
Now, with his status uncertain, the Bucks might have to turn back to Anthony and hope he can recapture that early-season form.
And let’s not forget about Gary Trent Jr., either. He’s another player who could be asked to shoulder more of the load if Porter misses time. The Bucks need someone-anyone-to step up and help steady the ship.
For now, the spotlight shifts to the supporting cast. If Milwaukee wants to climb back into the playoff race, it starts with getting more from the guys not named Giannis.
Whether that’s Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr., or someone else entirely, the opportunity is there. The question is-who’s ready to take it?