Ryan Rollins' scoring explosion this season has been nothing short of remarkable, and at the heart of it all is his newfound prowess in pull-up shooting. This skill has become a potent weapon in his arsenal, putting him among the NBA's elite in this category. While he's not quite at Damian Lillard's level, Rollins is certainly giving us glimpses of that kind of shooting brilliance.
Lillard has long been celebrated as one of the game's great perimeter shooters, with his pull-up game being a signature move. Even after missing time due to an Achilles injury, his reputation remains untarnished-winning the 3-Point Contest was a testament to that.
In his first year with the Bucks, Lillard was a pull-up machine, ranking just behind Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry. This shift from the usual catch-and-shoot strategy around Giannis Antetokounmpo added a new dimension to Milwaukee's offense.
Rollins is now following in those footsteps. In a season where he's making a strong case for Most Improved Player, Rollins has nailed 78 of his 195 pull-up three-point attempts. That 40 percent success rate places him fifth among players who've attempted at least 170 such shots, putting him in the company of sharpshooters like Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
If Rollins continues to connect like this, his pull-up shot could become his defining offensive tool.
Rollins' development is the highlight of an otherwise tough season for the Bucks. Last year, he was a solid contributor, but this season, he's taken his game to another level, surprising even the most optimistic Milwaukee fans. His transformation in pull-up shooting is one of the most significant changes, and it's been a key factor in his overall improvement.
In his first three seasons, Rollins attempted a mere 20 pull-up threes, making just six. Now, with 78 makes this season, his growth is undeniable. Despite this leap, Rollins hasn't received the recognition he deserves in the Most Improved Player race, which is a shame.
Nevertheless, Bucks fans are sure to appreciate Rollins' rise and his impressive pull-up shooting. The echoes of Damian Lillard in his game are captivating, and there's plenty more to look forward to from this young star.
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