Giannis Antetokounmpo impressed with young Milwaukee Bucks player who works a lot with Rajon Rondo, ‘I like him...’

Ryan Rollins has been given a bigger role in recent games, and the point guard is making the most of it.

As the Milwaukee Bucks battle in a crowded Eastern Conference, All-Star point guard Damian Lillard missing three games in a row with a calf injury hasnt exactly helped them, and they are only a half-game ahead of the sixth-seated Detroit Pistons .

With a March 24 loss to the Phoenix Suns under their belt, its clear that they need Lillards shooting and star power back in the lineup before a postseason push .

However, in his absence, the Bucks have found a key depth piece who could continue to play a big role even when the star slots back into the lineup.

Ryan Rollins is breaking out for the Milwaukee Bucks After being selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, Rollins has played a limited role on the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, and now the Bucks.

He has only averaged 4.9 points and 1.4 assists per game, but he is not a fixture in the everyday lineup.

With Lillard out, Rollins has upped his production to six points per game and 3.7 assists, and has been one of the first players off the bench for the Bucks.

As they got passed up in the standings by the Indiana Pacers, there has been some frustration in the locker room, although Rollins has been a bright spot.

I like Ryan, said Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday.

He understands his job.

Hes able to land down shots when hes wide open.

Hes able to make plays.

I love him.

Every team needs an end-of-bench player who can rise to the occasion when their number is called.

The San Antonio Spurs have Sandro Mamukelashvili , the New York Knicks have Tyler Kolek , the Dallas Mavericks have Kai Jones, and the Bucks have Rollins.

He helped us throughout this whole season, continued Antetokounmpo.

And anytime that his number is called, hes always ready to go.

And now hes going to be able to play more games, more minutes and I think he is getting himself mentally prepared for that.

I just love playing with him makes the game easier for everybody, competes.

Rajon Rondo gets credit for Ryan Rollins improvement After retiring from the NBA with two championships, three assist titles, four All-Star appearances, and four All-Defensive nods, Rajon Rondo didnt step away from the game.

Instead, he joined his former coach, Doc Rivers , as a volunteer assistant for the Bucks.

Rondo can be credited with rookie AJ Johnson s development, as well as Rollins sustained improvement.

He plays the right way, finished the Greek Freak.

Watches a lot of film.

Talks a lot with Rondo.

Listens to us.

Theres a lot of energy.

Surrounded by veterans and coaches with extensive playing experience, Rollins is finally in a solid developmental spot.

While the Bucks, with their lofty title hopes , might not rely on him much in the postseason, he is showing that he belongs in an NBA rotation and is making the most of the minutes he gets.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission..

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