With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks have been leaning heavily on Ryan Rollins. When Rollins is performing, the team can stay in games. When he falters, the Bucks frequently get overpowered. Opponents find it easy to exploit Milwaukee’s weaknesses, and Rivers, leading the team, knows just how critical Rollins’ consistency has become.
“I think it’s as much of an offensive problem as it is a defensive problem. I think we’re really struggling scoring. They’re taking Ryan [Rollins] out of it. We don’t have the ability right now to get into anything else when he doesn’t have it,” said the Bucks head coach in his post-game availability after the loss to the Portland Trailblazers.
It’s no shock that the Bucks struggle without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Losing a player averaging 31.2 points and 6.8 assists will naturally hurt any team. What has been more surprising is just how sharply the team has declined.
“We gotta figure it out like the coaches do. We gotta take the burden off of them and make it easier for them.”
The Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nov 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Across their last three games without Giannis, Milwaukee ranks 27th in offensive rating, a level of production that makes wins nearly impossible, and indeed, they have dropped all three contests.
“I think right now we’re easier to guard. We’re trying to run too many pick and rolls. We don’t get off the ball, so we’re thinking about it,” Rivers continued.
Rollins has played exceptionally well this season, but without Giannis Antetokounmpo, opponents are zeroing in on him. Against the Trail Blazers, a relentless full-court press limited him to just 10 points on 14 shot attempts. With Rollins contained, the Bucks relied on others to shoulder more of the offensive load, yet the team’s attack remained disjointed.
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Bobby Portis and Cole Anthony put up respectable numbers, but much of it came from them trying to create opportunities on their own. The effort lacked any real team strategy or cohesion.
If Rivers expects Giannis to return and instantly fix the Bucks’ issues, he’s setting himself up for disappointment. The team needs a more dynamic approach. Giannis coming back, whenever that occurs, won’t automatically solve the problems. Even when he’s been on the court this season, the offense has often stagnated. Giannis drives while teammates linger, waiting for a kick-out. It has delivered some wins, but it cannot sustain success over the long haul.