The Milwaukee Bucks have dealt with plenty of drama so far in the 2025-26 NBA season, but one storyline that is flying under the radar is the improvement of point guard Ryan Rollins. While anyone who has tuned into the Bucks this year has seen Rollins play some strong minutes in the backcourt, fans that have not been locked in on what is happening in Milwaukee are likely unaware that a former two-way player has elevated his game to that of a quality starter. Rollins, a candidate for the league’s Most Improved Player (MIP) award, is on the short list for consideration by oddsmakers. NBA expert Kevin Pelton had this to say about Rollins’ chances to receive the honor.
Jan 19, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) takes a shot during pregame warmups before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks PG Ryan Rollins is One of the NBA’s Most Improved
Two years ago, Ryan Rollins was back in Milwaukee for his second season with the Bucks. After bouncing around the league as a member of both Golden State and Washington, the former 2nd-round pick had failed to find a grip in the professional ranks. He had appeared in just 25 games in two seasons and was averaging just 2.7 points per game.
Dec 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) dribbles in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
During the 2024-25 season, Rollins had his two-way contract converted to a full-time deal as he entered Doc Rivers’ rotation. Appearing in 56 games and starting 19, he averaged 6.2 points per game, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He had encouraging shooting splits, going 50.5% from two-point territory, 40.8% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free throw line.
Fast forward to January 2026, and Rollins has been more than living up to the 3-year, $12-million deal he signed in the offseason. Now as the starting point guard for the team, he has upped his numbers to 17.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. His shooting splits are up to 52.5-42.1-76.9. He has done it all while filling some future-Hall-of-Famer-sized shoes, as Rollins has taken over the starting job previously occupied by Damian Lillard. While the 9-time All-Star was sacrificed in the offseason, Milwaukee has found more than replacement-level play from an ascending player on a bargain of a contract.
Ryan Rollins this season:
17.2 PPG
4.3 RPG
5.8 APG
42.1% 3PT
While leading the league in deflections. pic.twitter.com/m8Ur9j9Lpp
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) January 5, 2026
Rollins has absolutely been one of the league’s most improved players this year, making him a part of the conversation for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. What are Rollins’ chances at hoisting the hardware?
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
NBA Expert Considers Ryan Rollins a Longshot for MIP Award
NBA writer Kevin Pelton recently gave his NBA award projections, and did not have Rollins as his Most Improved. Instead, he had Portland Trailblazers wing Deni Avdija, who has ascended into a All-Star that many in Portland consider the team’s franchise player.
While Avdija was Pelton’s choice for the award, his top 3 were filled out by Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson. In his second year, George has leveled up to almost 25 points per game and been one of the league’s more exciting offensive talents. Like Avdija, Johnson is rising to an All-Star level for the Hawks due to his offensive ascension and strong all-around play. Pelton mentioned Rollins and Jalen Duren as “long shots” to win the award.
Feb 4, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) makes an X with his arms during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
It’s easier to compare Rollins to George in the sense that they are both guards who are entering their first season as the starter for their team. George has upped his points per game from 16.8 to 24.5, and while Rollins is up from 6.2 to 17.2, voters may be more keen to reward a player who has ascended to one of the league’s top scoring positions. Nonetheless, those in Milwaukee definitely have the ability to make a compelling case for Rollins.
Ryan Rollins looks like the MIP to us. pic.twitter.com/rRtdPdOtvn
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 5, 2026
One way that Rollins could climb the ladder for the award outside of continuing to play better is being a part of a playoff team. Milwaukee is currently outside of the play-in picture, although the team has gone 4-1 in the five games since Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned from an injury issue. Both Avdija and George are on teams that many figure will not be a part of the postseason out west. Johnson’s Hawks are also battling in the Eastern Conference’s middle of the pack.
Yahoo Sports has Rollins as the 6th-most likely to win the award. With most of the season still in front of Rollins, he will have plenty of opportunity to make voters notice just how far he has climbed this year.
Dec 23, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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