Ryan Rollins Earns Bucks’ Trust With Gritty Growth, Drawing George Hill Comparison as Milwaukee Bets Big on His Future

Ryan Rollins wasn’t supposed to be a centerpiece. Not in Milwaukee. Not yet. But sometimes development doesn’t follow the expected path—it forges its own.

Quietly but steadily, Rollins became a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ long-term vision last season. Amid the team’s veteran-heavy rotation and playoff expectations, the 23-year-old carved out a role that’s catching attention inside the franchise. Now, with a new contract signed and fresh praise from GM Jon Horst, the Bucks are making it clear—they’re all in on Rollins.

“Ryan reminds me a lot of George Hill,” Horst said earlier this offseason. “He has the same kind of defensive instincts, the same frame, and the same calm on the court. We believe he can become that kind of player for us.”

That’s lofty praise considering Hill’s impact over his long NBA career—a reliable two-way guard, trusted by coaches, respected by peers, and consistently a stabilizing presence in rotations from Indiana to Milwaukee. And while Rollins is far from the finished product Hill was in his prime, the comparison isn’t just about style—it’s about potential.

Standing 6-foot-4 with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan, Rollins already possesses the physical tools to be a disruptive perimeter defender. That part of his game began to blossom last season, even while he played through a lingering shoulder injury that limited his explosiveness and strength. Despite that, he fought for minutes, showed willingness to guard bigger wings, and earned respect with his effort.

But the biggest jump came from the arc. After struggling early in his career with efficiency, Rollins surprised many by shooting a blistering 41.3% from deep last season. His mechanics were smoother, his confidence evident, and his decisions smarter. For a team that has often needed floor-spacing threats around Giannis Antetokounmpo, that alone is a valuable asset.

Still, the Bucks aren’t just looking at Rollins as a shooter.

“We believe there’s more to unlock,” Horst added. “He’s got feel. He sees the game well. Once his playmaking catches up to his shooting and defense, you’re looking at a very complete player.”

That’s the next step—distribution and creation. Through last season, Rollins posted low assist numbers, often playing off-ball or in simplified offensive actions. But Milwaukee’s coaching staff sees signs of growth: his ability to read help defenders, his patience in pick-and-rolls, and most importantly, his improving strength and ball control under pressure.

With Giannis commanding so much attention—and rightly so—there’s room in Milwaukee’s system for a secondary playmaker who can attack gaps, initiate secondary offense, and create for others without turning the ball over. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s the kind of role that defines championship teams.

And the Bucks are no strangers to that blueprint. Look back at Hill’s impact during Milwaukee’s 2021 title run. He didn’t dominate stat sheets, but he did the little things—rotate, hit timely shots, steady the pace, make the extra pass. Those are exactly the traits the Bucks believe Rollins can grow into.

Rollins’ development is especially significant given Milwaukee’s current roster construction. After years of contending, the Bucks have leaned heavily on veterans and traded away several first-round picks in pursuit of championships. That’s left the team thin on young talent with long-term upside.

In that context, Rollins stands out not just for what he is, but what he could become.

His attitude doesn’t hurt either. According to multiple team sources, Rollins has become a fixture in Milwaukee’s practice gym this offseason. With his shoulder fully healed, he’s added muscle, improved his first step, and focused heavily on passing drills and decision-making under pressure. Coaches note his competitiveness and coachability as reasons for optimism.

“He’s not asking for minutes,” one assistant coach shared. “He’s earning them.”

While Rollins’ name may not yet be widely known outside Milwaukee, his arc is beginning to echo that of other overlooked guards who blossomed under the radar—Hill among them. A second-round pick in 2022 by the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Warriors and then bouncing through the Wizards, Rollins has been fighting for a foothold since entering the league. It’s only now, in Milwaukee, that he’s starting to settle in.

The Bucks re-signing him this summer wasn’t just a formality—it was a statement. They had choices to make, roster spots to juggle, and financial implications to weigh. That Rollins remained a priority says plenty about how they view his future.

It also aligns with a subtle shift in the Bucks’ long-term approach. With Giannis and Damian Lillard still anchoring the franchise’s immediate aspirations, the front office has shown increased interest in developing complementary youth. That includes rookie AJ Johnson, G League standout Chris Livingston, and now, Rollins.

It’s not a rebuild—it’s a renewal. And Rollins could be at the heart of it.

Of course, challenges remain. Milwaukee will enter the 2025–26 season with championship pressure and limited patience for growing pains. That means Rollins, if he wants to secure a regular rotation role, must hit the ground running. His defense has to be reliable. His three-point shot must stay consistent. And his playmaking, the biggest variable, needs to take a tangible leap.

But there’s belief—real, grounded belief—in Milwaukee’s locker room that he can do it. Veteran teammates like Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis have publicly praised Rollins’ poise and work ethic. Coaches continue to expand his responsibilities in team workouts. And Horst’s comparison to George Hill, while aspirational, isn’t just talk—it’s a target.

For Rollins, it’s about steady evolution, not a sudden explosion. He may never average 20 points or headline SportsCenter, but that’s not the point. The Bucks need a glue guy—a bridge between star power and system. Someone who hits shots, defends with pride, keeps the ball moving, and rises to the moment without forcing it.

That’s the vision. That’s the bet. And based on the strides he’s made, it’s one the Bucks are comfortable making.

There’s something to be said for quiet growth. For staying ready. For playing your role so well that you outgrow it. Ryan Rollins may not have made the loudest entrance in Milwaukee, but if he keeps ascending, he could leave a lasting impact. Just like George Hill did.

And maybe, just maybe, he becomes something more.

A contributor. A connector. A champion.