The Milwaukee Bucks finally put an end to their eight-game road skid Tuesday night in Indiana, and it wasn’t Giannis or Dame who stole the spotlight-it was the backcourt duo of Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. Together, they combined for 47 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals, powering the Bucks to a much-needed win and making a strong case that the team’s future might already be on the roster.
Let’s be clear: both Porter and Rollins are in the midst of breakout campaigns. Their emergence is changing the conversation in Milwaukee-not just about who should be starting, but about what kind of player the Bucks should be targeting as the trade deadline approaches. And if you’re still floating the idea of a Zach LaVine trade, it might be time to rethink that.
Porter’s Return Has Been a Game-Changer
Kevin Porter Jr. missed time earlier this season, but since returning, he’s been electric. In nine games this December, he’s averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting a blistering 50.4% from the field, 46.2% from three, and 80.4% from the free-throw line. That’s elite efficiency for a guard who’s also handling a heavy playmaking load.
Sure, turnovers have been an issue-he’s still working through decision-making in tight windows-but he’s more than making up for it on the defensive end, averaging 2.7 steals per game this month. He’s reached 20 points in all but two games in December, and in one of those, he notched a triple-double. That’s the kind of production that puts you on the All-Star radar, and it’s clear Porter is playing the best basketball of his career.
Rollins’ Leap Has Been Just as Important
While Porter’s return has grabbed headlines, Ryan Rollins’ rise might be even more surprising. The second-year guard is averaging 17.2 points and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 47.9% from the field and 38.7% from deep. Compared to last season, he’s added 11 points per game and is taking nine more shots-clear signs of growing confidence and a larger role in the offense.
But what’s really setting Rollins apart is his defense. He’s become a full-court pest, using his length and quickness to disrupt opposing guards before they can even get into their sets.
The Bucks have leaned into that by moving him to the bench, where he can play a more flexible role and share the floor with Porter in staggered lineups. The result?
A backcourt that’s dynamic, versatile, and increasingly difficult to game-plan against.
Why LaVine Isn’t the Answer
Zach LaVine is a proven scorer, no doubt. Before his ankle injury, he was averaging 20.2 points per game on 62% true shooting.
In a vacuum, that kind of efficiency is attractive. But the Bucks don’t need another high-usage, ball-dominant guard-especially not one who would cost them a key piece like Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma might not be the flashiest name, but he’s Milwaukee’s only true big wing. Trading him for LaVine would leave the Bucks even more vulnerable at the forward position, an area where they’ve already struggled this season. Opposing wings have consistently torched Milwaukee’s defense, and the team desperately needs size and switchability on the perimeter-not another 6-foot-5 guard who thrives with the ball in his hands.
Fit Matters, and LaVine Doesn’t Solve the Problem
Porter and Rollins are thriving in clearly defined roles. Porter is the lead initiator, while Rollins brings energy and scoring off the bench.
Bringing in LaVine would throw that balance off. Would he start next to Porter?
Would Rollins’ minutes take a hit? Would LaVine be willing to play off the ball more often?
These aren’t small concerns. Chemistry and fit matter, especially for a team with championship aspirations.
The Bucks don’t have the luxury of experimenting with redundant pieces at this stage of the season. They need to make every move count.
Smarter Targets for Milwaukee
If the Bucks are going to make a move-and they likely will-they need to be strategic with their limited assets. Turning Kuzma into a bigger, more versatile wing like Andrew Wiggins or Dillon Brooks makes a lot more sense. Both bring defensive toughness, playoff experience, and positional size that Milwaukee currently lacks.
The Bucks have their scoring guards. What they need now is someone who can guard multiple positions, hit open shots, and take pressure off Giannis defensively.
Porter and Rollins have shown they can carry the offensive load. It’s time for the front office to find the right piece to complement what’s already working-not disrupt it.
Final Thought
Milwaukee’s backcourt youth movement is no longer just a pleasant surprise-it’s a real factor in how this team should be building toward the postseason. Kevin Porter Jr. looks like a potential All-Star, and Ryan Rollins is proving he belongs in the nightly rotation.
The Bucks don’t need to chase another scorer. They need to double down on what’s working and build around it with smart, strategic moves.