Ryan Rollins quietly emerged as a key developmental piece for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, and the franchise is clearly buying in. After re-signing him this summer, general manager Jon Horst openly praised the 23-year-old, even drawing a comparison to former Bucks guard George Hill—a steady, two-way veteran known for his defense, playmaking, and shooting. That kind of praise, coming from a championship front office and tied to a player as respected and reliable as Hill, signals just how high the Bucks are on Rollins’ trajectory.
For much of the 2023-24 season, Rollins flew under the radar. He wasn’t a rotation regular on a veteran-heavy team with championship aspirations, but his contributions were quietly impactful in the limited minutes he received. Milwaukee saw enough in his practices, spot appearances, and G League stints to double down on his development path, offering him a new deal and projecting him as a potential contributor for the coming years.
Rollins’ journey to this point hasn’t been linear. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Golden State Warriors, his rookie season was derailed by injuries and lack of opportunity. The Warriors, rich with guard depth and looking to remain contenders, had little room for extended developmental projects, and Rollins became part of a midseason trade package that sent him to Washington. Another injury-riddled stint followed with the Wizards, and it seemed like Rollins might become another forgotten name in a league filled with talented guards.
But the Bucks saw something different. In a low-risk move, Milwaukee scooped up Rollins in free agency, giving him a chance to prove himself in a system that values ball security, defensive effort, and smart decision-making. The fit was almost immediate. Milwaukee’s coaching staff, led by head coach Doc Rivers, lauded Rollins for his defensive instincts and work ethic. He bought into the team-first mentality, soaking up wisdom from seasoned veterans like Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and even Damian Lillard, whose arrival reshaped the Bucks’ backcourt expectations.
Rollins’ game is still developing, but his strengths are increasingly visible. He’s a smooth ball handler with a natural feel for the game, blending patience with opportunism. His playmaking has improved steadily, as he’s learned when to press the tempo and when to slow things down. Defensively, he’s already shown flashes of being able to guard multiple positions—something Milwaukee desperately needs, especially given their aging core.
What’s perhaps most impressive about Rollins is his mental approach. He’s unassuming but confident, always focused on growth. He often mentions the advice he’s received from George Hill, who remains a respected figure around the league. The Hill comparison isn’t just about skill set—it’s about demeanor, consistency, and commitment to the little things that make winning possible. Hill carved out a 15-year NBA career by being reliable, adaptable, and egoless. That’s what Rollins aspires to emulate.
GM Jon Horst has been transparent about the Bucks’ need to develop young talent while maintaining a contending roster. It’s a delicate balance: win now with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard while building a bridge to the next era. That’s why Rollins’ progress is so important. He represents one of the few internal growth opportunities for a team limited in draft capital and salary cap flexibility. Horst’s endorsement of Rollins wasn’t just about the player—it’s about the Bucks’ larger strategy. Betting on Rollins is betting on sustainability.
Milwaukee’s player development program has improved significantly in recent years. Under assistant coaches like Josh Oppenheimer and Patrick Mutombo, the Bucks have focused on refining the fundamentals of younger players, helping them contribute sooner than expected. Rollins has been the most notable beneficiary of this, but he’s not alone. Players like MarJon Beauchamp and AJ Green are also part of the internal core Milwaukee hopes can supplement the stars and provide the kind of role-player production that championship teams rely on.
Rollins spent part of last season in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd, where he was given the reins to run the offense and lead a younger roster. It was a necessary step in his development. He posted solid numbers, but more importantly, he improved his decision-making and defensive communication—two areas that Milwaukee had flagged as priorities. Those games helped him translate his skills to NBA tempo and expectations. When he returned to the Bucks’ bench, he was more prepared to slot into real minutes.
Rollins’ size is another intriguing aspect of his game. At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he has the physical tools to become an elite perimeter defender. Milwaukee has long valued length and switchability on defense—cornerstones of their 2021 title team. While he’s not yet the defender that Hill was in his prime, Rollins has shown signs that he could grow into a similar mold: capable of guarding ones and twos, helping on threes, and closing possessions with strong rebounding instincts. His wingspan also gives him upside as a disruptor in passing lanes, something the Bucks need in transition-heavy matchups.
Offensively, Rollins is a work in progress, but the foundation is promising. His jump shot is mechanically sound, and he’s been working extensively with the Bucks’ shooting staff to improve his release speed and consistency from deep. While he shot just under 33% from beyond the arc last season in limited attempts, the form and confidence are there. Milwaukee isn’t expecting him to become a high-volume scorer, but if he can hit open threes, attack closeouts, and make the next pass, he becomes a valuable connector—exactly the kind of player Hill was.
Where Rollins might ultimately make his biggest impact, though, is in the intangible areas. He doesn’t force plays. He understands team schemes. He communicates well on the court. These are subtle things, but they add up. Veteran teams like the Bucks need young players who won’t derail the system when they’re on the floor. Rollins fits that bill. In a league that often prioritizes flash over substance, his maturity is refreshing—and rare for someone his age.
Next season will be a major proving ground for Rollins. With Milwaukee looking to manage the minutes of Lillard and Middleton, and with the need for dependable bench play increasing, Rollins could find himself in a regular rotation role for the first time. The Bucks aren’t expecting him to become a star overnight, but they believe he can give them solid, winning minutes off the bench—spot starts, second-unit orchestration, defensive energy, and disciplined decision-making.
Milwaukee’s future will hinge in part on whether players like Rollins can step into those roles consistently. With the luxury tax looming and roster flexibility shrinking, internal development becomes not just a bonus but a necessity. If Rollins becomes even 80% of what George Hill was during his best years, the Bucks will have struck gold.
It’s not just a feel-good story of a young player overcoming early adversity; it’s a strategic win for a franchise trying to extend its title window without mortgaging everything. Ryan Rollins is becoming more than just a bench guard—he’s a blueprint. A reminder that winning teams need more than just stars. They need steady, smart, selfless contributors who understand that championships are built not just in the spotlight, but in the margins.
If Rollins continues on this path, the Bucks may look back on his signing as one of the quieter but more meaningful moves of their offseason. For now, he’s focused on staying ready, staying humble, and earning everything. Just like George Hill once did.
