Count Cormac Ryan among the Milwaukee Bucks' recent rubbish-heap success stories. After his March debut, the former Tar Heels guard was the team's top scorer in April, stamping his name alongside Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, and Pete Nance as yet another potential gem who found his footing on a two-way contract. Small sample size notwithstanding, Ryan is a breakout waiting to happen.
Bucks have discovered another diamond in the rough
The breakout is already underway. In seven games this month, Ryan averaged 19.6 points per game on 54 percent from the field and 47.9 percent from deep, on nearly seven attempts per contest. He led the Bucks with 22 points in the season finale, in which he also grabbed 10 rebounds for his first double-double.
Ryan poured in a career-high 28 points two days earlier against the Nets, outshone only by Green's 35, his own personal best.
He contributed in other ways as well, averaging 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in the same span. In a win over Memphis, he came up with five steals.
All in all, the rookie sharpshooter appeared in 11 games for the Bucks, a total that should grow substantially next season. Although his increased burn down the stretch resulted partly from Milwaukee finally committing to a tank, Ryan's dazzling finish should absolutely thrust him in the mix for a future rotation spot.
Ryan can secure standard contract if he follows up on rookie flourish
After starting out as two-way players, Rollins, Green, and Nance all earned standard contracts. Since Ryan's deal extends through 2026-27, there's a chance he'll have to wait to be promoted, as Nance did this year, but it could happen before then.
In particular, an impressive showing in Summer League and training camp could swiftly punch his ticket to an upgraded contract and a spot on the 15-man roster. Maybe the Bucks even promote him before then. Don't count it out.
Of course, projecting Ryan's role could be premature. He is, after all, only 11 games into his career. He may have to show the Bucks a bit more before they commit financially. While he made the most of his chances down the stretch, he might not have the same opportunities early on next year, when the team isn't actively tanking (hopefully).
No one knows what the roster will look like then or whether Ryan, an undrafted 27-year-old, will have a place. Given how the team procrastinated in converting Nance, a similar wait-and-see approach could follow.
Hopefully, though, the Bucks don't sit on their hands. Ryan's brilliant cameo already suggests that he should be part of the plan moving forward. Here's a hint, Milwaukee: you're looking at Gary Trent Jr.'s replacement.