Kevin

Porter Jr.

After earning a rest-of-season contract with the Bucks last season, Rollins has re-signed with the team on a three-year deal. The final season of the contract is a player option, which is a win for the former second-round pick. In 56 games, Rollins averaged 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 three-pointers in 14.6 minutes. He made 19 starts for the Bucks last season, and there’s a chance Rollins gets a shot at competing for a starting job this fall. Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard, and while Kevin Porter Jr. re-signed with the team, he may not be a lock to start. Rollins may not be a must-draft player in most fantasy leagues, but that could change with a good preseason.

Two days after declining his player option, Porter has decided to return to the Bucks on a two-year deal. He certainly had his moments, especially late in the season, and there’s an opportunity for the former first-round pick to provide added value in fantasy leagues. Damian Lillard (Achilles) will miss most of the 2025-26 season, leaving a large opening at the point guard position. While erratic, KPJ will be worth the risk in standard league drafts.

Traded to Milwaukee at the February deadline, Porter had his moments during the regular season and the Bucks’ first-round series against the Pacers. His option for the 2025-26 season would have paid Porter $2.5 million, so the decision to test the open market is not a surprise. With Damian Lillard (Achilles) set to miss most of next season, if not all of it, and Ryan Rollins being a restricted free agent, the Bucks have a clear need at point guard. However, they don’t have much money to spend in free agency.

Damian Lillard’s season-ending Achilles tendon tear meant the Bucks would have to make at least one change to their starting lineup. Porter will fill the void left by the perennial All-Star, with Green and Portis also being moved from the bench to the starting five. They replace Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez, as Bucks coach Doc Rivers searches for an answer that will keep his team’s season alive.

After totaling 22 points on 6-of-21 shooting in the first three games of the series, Porter was far better in Game 4. He was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, taking on an enlarged role after Damian Lillard exited with a lower left leg injury. With Bucks coach Doc Rivers saying after the loss that the outlook for Lillard is “not promising,” Porter may be thrust into the starting lineup for Game 5 on Tuesday. Trailing three games to one, Milwaukee’s goal is to get the series back home for Game 6.

Lillard suffered a lower left leg injury while attempting to chase down a missed shot during the first quarter. Unable to put much weight on the leg while being helped to the locker room, the Bucks’ point guard has officially been ruled out. Given that it’s a non-contact injury, there’s undoubtedly some concern regarding Lillard’s ultimate prognosis. Kevin Porter Jr. will figure more prominently within the Bucks’ rotation, and they will also need more offense from Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green.

It’s unclear how soon Lillard will be cleared to return to the hardwood but an upcoming exam will determine his timetable. Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game without the star point guard this season.

With Friday’s win over the Pistons, the Bucks secured the fifth seed in the East. They have nothing to play for in Sunday’s regular-season finale. Trent and Porter are among the key contributors who will not play, resting up for the start of the playoffs next weekend. Stanley Umude and Jamaree Bouyea should play rotation minutes on Sunday, and both are extremely risky plays in active fantasy leagues.

Both reserves are expected to sit out the regular season finale, which isn’t surprising with the Bucks having clinched the fifth seed in the East. Stanley Umude and Andre Jackson Jr. should play significant roles for the shorthanded Bucks.

Porter Jr. continues to be a revelation in the season’s final two weeks. The 24-year-old point guard came off the bench Friday, but played 31 minutes, more than every starter not named Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Porter Jr. has certainly benefited from the absence of Damian Lillard, he’s also been a top-50 fantasy player over the last two weeks. He’s made the most of his opportunity and that shouldn’t go unnoticed.