Ryan Rollins had a breakout season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking ahead to the future with just a few games left in the season, which also means that it's a time to look back and reflect on the season.
It's been a season of mostly downs for Milwaukee. A disappointing season record and ongoing saga with star Giannis Antetokounmpo have dominated headlines in Milwaukee throughout the season, but the bright spot for the Bucks is what they have to look forward to.
Milwaukee has quietly built a young team that while rough around the edges has the potential to bring new life to the organization.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) reacts after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesRollins' Breakout Season
Leading that youth movement has been Ryan Rollins, who experienced a breakout season that affirmed all of the confidence that he already felt about himself and proved without a doubt that he belongs in the position that he's in.
"It solidifies my confidence and what I believe it what it is," Rollins said (via Bucks). "So, just continue to do what I've been doing and keep working."
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) takes shot against Dallas Mavericks guard John Poulakidas (1) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesThis was the first season in the 23-year-old's young NBA career where he was truly utilized and given an opportunity to show what he's capable of. Rollins played 73 games this season, a career-high, and started in 66 of them.
With those new opportunities and more than twice the average minutes on the court per game that he played last season, Rollins had a chance to truly shine.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesHe nearly tripled his average points from last season, putting up 17.2 points per game, while setting new career-highs in rebounds and assists per game as well.
The Future with Rollins at the Center
Rollins still has a lot more work to do, work that he's looking forward to the offseason for, but he's built the foundation of what can be a stellar NBA career.
Rollins is able to push the pace and generate scoring when the Bucks need it, which has been often this season.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesHaving such a dynamic presence at point guard is a great sign for the Bucks' future, and if there's anyone that can be built around in Milwaukee, Rollins is the clearest answer.
It's just the beginning of what's projects to be a prosperous career for Rollins. The raw talent is there. The determination is there and the confidence has always been there, it just now has results to back it up.
As dark as this season has been in Milwaukee, there are bright things ahead and Rollins is the light at the center of it all.