Cole Anthony, who began the season with an impressive performance, has recently encountered a significant downturn in his game. As the point guard tasked with leading the Milwaukee Bucks’ second unit, Anthony is currently averaging 3.5 assists alongside an alarming 3.5 turnovers over the last four games, a stretch that coincides with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence from the lineup. The team has been in need of all players to step up, yet Anthony’s recent struggles have been evident.
Anthony’s recent performances have highlighted an alarming recklessness on the court. His tendency to attempt flashy passes often leads to turnovers, providing opponents with easy scoring opportunities. In fact, he is tied for the team lead in turnovers during this stretch, sharing the dubious distinction with Ryan Rollins. However, while Rollins is contributing 8.5 assists per game, Anthony only averages 3.5 assists in a significantly smaller portion of playing time, logging just 15.9 minutes compared to Rollins’ 36.5 minutes per contest.
In addition to his turnover issues, Anthony’s scoring has also plummeted. He is averaging merely 6.8 points per game, shooting an inefficient 38.7 percent overall and a dismal 10 percent from beyond the arc. This lack of productivity combined with a challenging assist-to-turnover ratio raises concerns about his role in the offense.
Despite Anthony’s struggles, Bucks coach Doc Rivers has expressed faith in the young guard. Following a disappointing 0-for-7 shooting night against the Miami Heat, Rivers reaffirmed his belief in Anthony’s potential. “The kid can play. We gotta keep believing in him,” Rivers stated to reporters, emphasizing the need for Anthony to rise to the occasion.
With Kevin Porter Jr. nearing a return from meniscus surgery, Anthony’s place in the lineup may come under threat if he continues to underperform. Porter’s return could see him take on a significant share of minutes at the point guard position, putting additional pressure on Anthony to demonstrate his value in the coming games.
As the Bucks face these challenges, fans are left hopeful that Anthony can leverage this opportunity to turn around his performance and re-establish himself as a key player for the team moving forward. The upcoming games present a crucial chance for him to prove his worth and impact the Bucks’ chances this season.