The Milwaukee Bucks are still trying to sort out the most basic question on offense: who actually sets the tone when the games start for real?
A year ago, the uncertainty was over the second scoring option. This preseason, the problem has moved to the top of the chart. Through three exhibition games, Milwaukee has had a different leading scorer in each one, and the hierarchy is still blurry.
Ryan Rollins opened things by pacing the Bucks with 15 points and taking command of the offense. In the second game, Milwaukee spread the scoring around with seven players in double figures, but Myles Turner led the way with 19 points. Then Tyler Herro, who many expected to grab control from the jump, finally showed more of that expected production and finished with 18 points.
That kind of rotation at the top does keep things interesting, especially in the preseason when everyone is trying to prove something. But it also shines a light on a Bucks roster still searching for a true first option in the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo setup.
For now, the race for that spot feels like it belongs mainly to Herro and Rollins. Turner had his moment, but the bigger picture still points toward those two.
Herro’s case is simple enough: he looks like the better offensive fit, and Rollins’ value on the other end may shape how much he can really take over. Rollins is a strong defender, and he’ll be asked to handle the tougher backcourt matchups night after night so Herro doesn’t have to. That job could trim into Rollins’ offensive energy a bit, while Herro should be fresher for the scoring load.
Herro also brings All-Star pedigree, and he’s already shown what he can do when the ball is in his hands. A quiet start doesn’t erase that.
Rollins is still young and improving quickly, so he could absolutely close the gap. Right now, though, Herro is still ahead.
And with two preseason games still left, the door is wide open for another Bucks scorer to jump into the conversation. Kel'el Ware has already turned heads with a nice breakout, and Herro could use his last performance as a springboard for another strong outing. Milwaukee still has time to reveal more.
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