Human Victory Cigar

Courtesy of mikhail1973 @ www.pistonsforum.com

Season 2006/2007

Record 28-54

The fortune turned its back on the Bucks. Redd and Villanueva missed a half of the season each. Bucks player of the year in 2005/2006 Bobbie Simmons didn’t even make it onto the court. Milwaukee finished the year with 28th place and 6th draft spot.

Offseason

Draft

Yi Jianlian and Ramon Sessions.

A ghost from China: everyone heard of him, some say they even saw him. Nobody knows how old he really is. It is anyone’s guess how many minutes will he get.

Key Trades

Acquired: Desmond Mason returned. Also Jake Voskuhl and Royal Ivey. Milwaukee is short on guards, so Mason will most likely see some playing time at the shooting guard spot subbing for resting Redd.
Left: Earl Boykins, Lin Greer, Ruben Patterson, Brian Skinner.

Offseason grade: C

Season 2007/2008

Milwaukee’s defense is one of the worst in the league. Bogut is not strong enough to bang with most of his opponents. Mo Williams not heavy enough against any opponent. And when basketball god created Michael Redd, all of the talent went into the offensive game. And Ruben Patterson, the only good defender Bucks had, left the team this summer. Don’t expect any defensive improvements from this team.

Offense is another story. There are two reasons for the effective offense that Bucks display:

1. Tall quick players that can pass the ball. First of all it relates to Bogut, who is one of the best at that in the entire NBA.
2. Set of shooters led by Redd (26ppg).

This combination allows Milwaukee to remain in top 10 in NBA in scoring and field goal percentage. Addition of Mason and return of Simpson along with the full season from Redd and Villanueva should help to maintain the offensive production.

When the team decided to build around Michael Redd first thought or maybe even a reflective reaction was – mistake! Who do they rely on? What goals can achieve team that is lead by a shooter? If you think about it his game is best suited for the role player. Two years past since that time. Milwaukee had one solid season. Redd adopted, consistently plays better, became one of the best scorers in the NBA and doesn’t look like just a shooting specialist anymore. The contract that Redd signed at that time looks quite reasonable.

Bucks have a decent bench – Ivey will sub for Williams, Bell will fill in for 1, 2, and 3, Simmons will be a combo-forward, Gadzuric – fast and athletic center. They will have emphasis on the quick frontline that lacks size and strength.

Note of importance

Charlie Villanueva. Regardless of competition from Simmons and many injuries (he had several, one just recently) he should start showing his potential.

Bottom Line

Most likely out of the playoffs. Team needs to play some D to be considered a playoff contender.

Playoffs – small chance
Championship – no