Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is seizing a rare opportunity, averaging 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in eight games while filling in for the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Kevin Porter Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks, USC)
The Milwaukee Bucks made significant offseason moves to keep franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. However, doubts began to surface regarding their ability to contend for a second championship. After Antetokounmpo suffered an injury early in December against Detroit, many wondered if they’d seen the last of “the Greek Freak” in Milwaukee.
This unexpected absence opened the door for Kevin Porter Jr., who had previously missed 19 consecutive games after the season opener, to shine. Porter Jr. has faced off-court issues and questions about maturity that have hindered his potential, but he’s determined not to let this second chance slip away.
He averaged 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in eight games without Antetokounmpo, forming a solid backcourt partnership with Ryan Rollins.
“Everyone knows that I’m ball-dominant,” Porter Jr. said. “But when I’m tired, I trust (Ryan) to take over, and he’s been doing a great job.”
Antetokounmpo eventually returned on December 27 and has led the Bucks to two consecutive wins.
With the team sitting at 11th in the Eastern Conference, there’s still a high chance that Giannis is moved at the trade deadline. If that happens, Bucks fans can at least find hope in the Porter/Rollins duo as they potentially move towards a rebuild.
Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers, Gonzaga)
Speaking of rebuilds, the Indiana Pacers, despite reaching the NBA Finals last year, have fallen to the bottom of the league’s standings due to a string of injuries. Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin are leading the charge in Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, but Andrew Nembhard is also making strides following his impressive playoff performance last season.
Since the start of December, Nembhard has averaged 17.0 points and 7.2 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to bounce back from inconsistent performances.
For instance, he followed up a 3-14 shooting night against Washington with a 31-point explosion against the Knicks, shooting 12-19 from the field.
Nembhard has never been the most consistent player in the league, and improving his ability to consistently deliver high-level performances will be crucial if he wants to remain a key part of the team’s long-term plans.
Rookie Report
Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings, Stanford)
Not much has gone right for the Sacramento Kings this season. Domantas Sabonis is injured, and several of their key players, including Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, are the subject of trade rumors. Reports of a “disconnect” between head coach Doug Christie and the team have also surfaced, potentially jeopardizing Christie’s position.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Sabonis’ injury and an injury to Drew Eubanks have created an opportunity for the Kings’ second-round rookie, Maxime Raynaud, to make an impact.
Raynaud has averaged 15.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 57.3% from the field since the start of December.
He has also drained five of his 11 three-point attempts during this stretch, and the team believes he’ll be a valuable asset in the future.
“He has playmaking ability, so I think that adds to his poise as well because as he is dribbling, he is surveying, which a lot of big guys don’t do,” Christie said. “Watching him, his base gets stronger, his footwork gets better. He already has the touch. A lot to be excited about with Max.”
Kobe Sanders (Los Angeles Clippers, Colorado State)
Being drafted to a contender isn’t easy, especially when that contender starts the season with a 6-21 record and becomes a league-wide laughingstock due to the Chris Paul situation. Despite the rocky start, 50th overall pick Kobe Sanders is earning consistent playing time and contributing to the Clippers’ recent turnaround.
He’s already had six games this season with 10+ points, and has averaged 20.4 minutes a night in his last 19 games.
His impressive shooting during that stretch (47.3% from the floor and 43.2% from deep) has been a positive sign, suggesting a bright future.
Prove Them Wrong
Caleb Love (Portland Trail Blazers, Arizona)
Still looking at rookies, many remember Caleb Love’s memorable run with UNC in the 2022 NCAA tournament, and many anticipated his eventual entry into the NBA draft. However, circumstances repeatedly intervened. UNC’s championship run ended in heartbreak, prompting Love and the team to return the following year.
That subsequent year was a disappointment, and Love knew he couldn’t end his college career on that note, so he transferred to Arizona. He won the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2024, seemingly making it the perfect time to declare for the draft.
But he was one year away from graduating, so he decided to return for one last year in 2024-25.
Unfortunately for Love, the longer a player remains in college, the more time scouts have to scrutinize their game. This led to Love being undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he eventually signed a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
After a slow start, injuries to Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant have given Love the opportunity to shine.
Love has averaged 18.3 PPG in his last four games, and his true shooting percentage of 66.8 is the eighth-highest mark in the league among players with at least 50 shots during that span.
Top Veterans
Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers, San Diego State)
If you were wondering who leads the league in true shooting percentage since December 23, the answer is Kawhi Leonard, with a remarkable 73.8 percent.
“The Klaw” lost nine of his first ten games after returning from a right knee injury, and the Clippers’ season appeared to be sinking. However, Leonard has been on a roll in the last four games, averaging an astounding 39.0 points to lead his squad to four consecutive wins, including a career-high 55-point performance against the East’s top-seeded Pistons.
His continued high-level performance despite his injury history is a testament to his greatness.
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz, Arizona)
Many speculated that Lauri Markkanen had lost motivation after signing his massive five-year, $238 million extension in the summer of 2024.
However, Markkanen is back to his best and is generating All-Star buzz in a competitive Western Conference.
The Finnish marksman has put up 27.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game since the start of December, while winning six of his eight games.
The Jazz have lost every game without him this season, highlighting his importance to the organization.
