The Milwaukee Bucks finally snapped a frustrating seven-game losing streak on Saturday night with a much-needed win over the Brooklyn Nets. And while the victory came against a struggling opponent, it marked a turning point the team desperately needed-especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo back in the lineup after a brief injury absence.
Giannis’ return is obviously huge. He’s the engine that drives everything in Milwaukee. But even with the two-time MVP back on the floor, what’s catching a lot of attention right now isn’t just Giannis-it’s the emergence of Ryan Rollins.
Yes, that Ryan Rollins.
The young guard has gone from the fringes of the roster to one of the most intriguing breakout stories of the season. He’s not just playing well-he’s forcing his way into the conversation for Most Improved Player.
And when Giannis himself singles you out? That’s not nothing.
“I’ve been in the NBA 13 years. I’ve had 200-300 teammates,” Antetokounmpo said after the win, per Michael Scotto. “A jump for a guy that came two years ago to a two-way contract, non-guaranteed, a guaranteed deal, to the player he is today-I don’t think I’ve seen a jump like that in my career.”
That’s high praise from one of the league’s most respected voices. And it’s not hyperbole. Rollins’ rise has been one of the few consistent bright spots in what’s been a rocky start to the Bucks’ season.
Coming into the year, Milwaukee’s backcourt depth was a legitimate concern. With the roster top-heavy and thin behind the starters, critics questioned whether the Bucks had enough guard play to keep pace in the East.
Rollins has helped quiet some of that noise. His ability to knock down shots from deep, attack off the dribble, and create for himself has added a layer to Milwaukee’s offense that simply wasn’t there before.
He’s not just filling a role-he’s changing the conversation around what this team can be.
Still, let’s not sugarcoat it: the Bucks are 9-12. That’s not where anyone expected them to be at this point in the season.
If the playoffs started today, they wouldn’t even make the play-in tournament. For a team with championship aspirations-and a generational talent in Giannis-that’s a problem.
But there’s reason for cautious optimism. The schedule softens a bit in the short term, starting with a road game against the Washington Wizards on Monday night.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, and while no game is ever a gimme in the NBA, this is the kind of matchup Milwaukee needs to capitalize on if they’re serious about turning things around.
The Bucks don’t need to be perfect right now. They just need to start building momentum. And with Giannis healthy and Rollins rising, there’s at least a path forward.