With the trade deadline looming on Feb. 19 only 18 days away, the Milwaukee Bucks are faced with a slight problem. What do they do? Should they be buyers, sellers, or just stay the course?

Faced with this same problem last year with the likes of Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions, the Bucks chose to stay the course and hopefully make the playoffs.They fell short, and in the offseason, Milwaukee lost both guys in free agency and acquired nothing in return. They could have made a move to acquire a pick or a young talented piece but instead they chose to “compete” for a playoff spot.

Now, here we area again, a year later and in the same position. Wondering the same questions. We have expiring contracts in Luke Ridnour, Hakim Warrick, Kurt Thomas, Joe Alexander, Francisco Elson, and the newly-acquired Jerry Stackhouse. Together they amount to $18.3 million in expiring contracts.  

Some contracts we will just let expire, while some have too much value not to acquire something in return for. Both Ridnour and Warrick definitely have the most value. These guys are solid contributors and would be very useful to team in the playoffs looking for a scorer off the bench. Some may value Thomas’ defense, but he is slow-footed, and all he is good for is low-post defense.On offense, he can knock down the open 15-18 footer, which works well for a high pick-n-roll situation. Alexander has no value because of injuries ,and his expiring contract is his only value to the team (I won’t get started on him).

As of today the Bucks stand 20-25, which is only three games behind Chicago and Miami for the seventh and eighth seeds. General Manager John Hammond has insisted that he wants to win now.  The Bucks must decide what to do, and I’ll examine each option.

Stick with Team as Is

They are 20-25 as stated. They started the season rolling to an 8-3 record out of the gate. Then Michael Redd came back and threw off the entire offense. Some may ask, how a 20 ppg player can throw off an offense?

Well, he is like a black hole, every time there is a ball swing, he keeps it.  He does a crossover between his legs, and then you know it’s going up. He fails to get teammates involved, and that hurts the chemistry. Milwaukee is 5-13 in games he has played in, while 15-12 in games that he hasn’t.

Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut also have greater success while Redd is off the floor. Bogut is finally looked at as the team’s No. 1 option on offense. He has a great face-up post game and is showing a little ability to hit a 10-12-ft jumper.

Bogut and his running mate, Jennings, have developed a chemistry in the high pick-n-roll game. Jennings is so quick that it is hard to get an angle on him defensively, and he can get into the paint and create for himself or for a teammate.

I do think the Bucks can challenge for a playoff spot by holding on to what they have. But, is it worth it to be the eighth seed in the playoffs? I say yes, because you get invaluable experience for a team full of young players who don’t know how different the level of play is in the playoffs.

Trade Away Players

If we fail to win a few games before the deadline, our hand may be forced to make some trades for younger talent and picks. I think Hammond would be more willing to pull the trigger on some of these guys.

Unlike last year, there are not as many young players who would gain some trade interest. I think a team that needs either a scoring or point guard coming off the bench would be in the race for Ridnour.

He hits open shots, runs the offense well, and rarely turns the ball over. If the Bucks could receive a young talent or late first-round pick for him, I’d do it. One team who may need a backup is the Utah Jazz.

Hakim Warrick is of equal value although his stock is expiring less than Ridnour’s ($3.6-6.5 million). He is an offensive-minded player off the bench and has proven he can score since he has been in the league.  He’s also proven that he plays no defense.

One team that may like him is the Atlanta Hawks. I think he would fit well coming off the bench for them, while also not ruining their cap space for FA next offseason.

Kurt Thomas may be traded for a second pick to a contender who is short a backup big man.  Again, injuries in the next 18 days will play a factor because new needs may arise.

Alexander and Elson would only be throw-ins for a trade just to make the money work. I can’t see either drawing ANY interest. Stackhouse is here to stay in Milwaukee. Hammond had him in Detroit and sees him as a veteran leader. He can also be Hammond’s eyes in the locker room.

I’m sure Jerry is telling him who is good for the team and who isn’t. You don’t want bad chemistry guys around your young talent (Michael Redd).

Trade For Players

This is the least possible option for Milwaukee. We have no pieces that anyone would want in exchange for a big name. Jennings would have to be involved, but that’s not happening.

Caron Butler would be the only guy who could draw interest. He is from Racine, so he’d basically be home, and the Wizards are looking to blow up their team.  If we could give them an expiring and our first they might be intrigued. Would I do it? Probably not. I don’t see this happening at all or any other scenario where the Bucks acquire a star player coming to fruition.

The best option for me is to stay the course and try to gain cap room for this offseason and next season when Redd and Dan Gadzuric come off the books. One thing’s for sure, it will be an interesting two weeks for Bucks fans everywhere.

Let me hear your opinion!  Comment on the article, and I will respond. Thank you.

Ted's got his work cut out for him

While the Packers have just finished a successful season ( in most terms) they now must focus on next year and that entails the re-signing of key free agents who made this team become as dangerous as it was.  There are 13 overall free agents while they are broken down into  two different categories of unrestricted, where they are free to sign anywhere, and restricted which are free agents where Packers can match an offer the player receives.  For all the rules of free agency check out the NFL rules here.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (UFA)-

Ryan Pickett

Chad Clifton

Mark Tauscher

Aaron Kampman

Ahman Green

Aaron's O-Line could look a lot different next year

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (RFA)-

Daryn Colledge

Jason Spitz

Johnny Jolly

Nick Collins

Atari Bigby

Derrick Martin

Will Blackmon

John Kuhn

For me Nick Collins is the most important free agent we should retain.  But he may not be the first to be re-signed.  The Packers will try to get there UFAs settled quick and early while negotiations with Collins are supposed to be somewhat of a long ordeal.    For the UFAs, Ryan Pickett and one of either Clifton or Tauscher will be back for sure.  Although we picked BJ Raji with our first pick last year, there is always the need for quality depth along the defensive line in the 3-4 system so I feel Pickett is a priority.  Then we must bring back one of the tackles.  I would prefer Tauscher to re-sign, but i think Clifton would be the first guy they would go after to sign.  I also wouldnt be surprised at all if they both come back, hell, both are old and Clifton aint gunna make it a full season (couldn’t last year).  With TJ Lang backing them up for another year he should be a very solid replacement if one gets hurt or does not re-sign.

Re-signing Aaron Kampman would the wrong move.  Re-signing him is absolutely pointless from both a financial and personnel stand point because it was clearly a failed experiment when the Packers tried to convert him into a 3-4 OLB.  Combine that with the fact that he’s coming off of an ACL tear at age 30 and that he was terrible in coverage before the injury and re-signing him becomes moronic.  Also, you expect players to have career years in their contract year.  Most players do because they know this is their opportunity to get paid.  So I feel we should let him explore free agency, and if he can’t find any suiters, we could then sign him for cheap.  A low risk, potentially high reward type of move.  One team expected to make a run at Kampman is the Chicago Bears.  Which would be just fine with me and almost any other Packer fan I know.

Ahman made him better

Then Ahman Green also shouldn’t be retained.  One thing with Green though is that Ryan Grant picked up his pace once the Packers signed Green.  In the five previous games to Green signing, Grant ran for an average of 69 yds per game, while after he ran for a little over 82 yds a game.  Although Green pushed Grant to be a better player and ran hard in short yardage situations; re-signing him may take meaningful time away from the playmaking RB the Packers should look to select in the draft.  I expect this “RB to be named at a later date” to help out in the return game (both kicks and punts) and help out in passing situations as well.  Two things Ahman is unable to help with at this point in his career.  .

Now onto the RFAs-

Our main overall free agent priority, as I said earlier, has to be Collins.  He is a 2 time pro bowler and will command a lot of money on the open market.  The Packers have the ability to use thier franchise tag on him ( Which is when you sign the player for the next season and you pay him the average of the top five players at his position in the league).  Collins, on the other hand, wants the security of having a long term deal in place.  Some players do not like the franchise tag because if they get hurt they would lose millions in the following year. Collins is all over the place, hes a ball hawk, and when he gets the ball he knows what to do with it.  We need him on this defense for years to come especially with our cornerbacks getting a year older.

Next on the list is Daryn Colledge.  He played multiple positions but mostly was our Left Gaurd.  I thought he played well and was at his best at Left Gaurd.  He has good lower body strength and gains alot of leverage thats goes along with his technique.  One problem with this here is that Jason Spitz can also play Left Gaurd and he is also a RFA.  Spitz also can play center, so its not unlikely that both could be re-signed.  But it all depends on who the Packers value.  from what I can tell, the Packers value guys who can play multiple positions and both of these guys fit that bill.  Of course Colledge could feel he is being under appreciated and become a UFA next year.  I still think its the Packers best option to sign both of these guys for multi-year deals.  I hear McCarthy always talking about having continuity and familiarity along the OL, this would ensure that for years to come.  Johnny Jolly is also a RFA, this here is a guy who was in a contract year and made the most of his opportunities and had a career year.  He has always shown flashes but this year he was consistent.  Again you cannot have enough depth along the DL.   Jolly plays the end in the 3-4 and his job essentially is to take up bodies and have the linebackers make the play.  Jolly made a living batting down passes this year and made many plays in the opponents backfield.  Jolly was key this season and I want to re-sign him but he does come with baggage.  His legal issues, which consists of possession of 200 grams of Codeine and is still pending decision, raises huge questions about his character.  Also, in every post play scuffle amongst players this season, Johnny Jolly could be found right in the middle.  He’s a good player but his off and on the field issues raise questions and this being his contract year scares me a little.

Sorry Ahman

Next on the list is a big question mark, and his name is Atari Bigby.  He plays strong safety and fills the billing of strong.  Yes, he makes good plays against run and lays the wood when receivers come through the middle, great.  The thing i cant stand about him is that he is just awful in pass coverage and does not have ideal speed to cover alot of ground.  I don’t know how much they will value Bigby, it will also depend on what Nick Collins does on the market.  The Packers cannot lose both safeties because the likelihood of them replacing them with players on the same talent level would be slim to none.  Another safety is Derrick Martin, he played very well on special teams and i wouldn’t mind having him come back for a small fee.

John Kuhn was very valuable in the red zone this year and was a solid blocker.  This is the same predicament that we were in in training camp.  The problem is that we would be carrying 3 fullback on our roster.  I feel that they should bring Kuhn back and let one of either Corey Hall or Quinn Johnson go sometime in training camp.

Finally to me Will Blackmon has no value because he can’t stay healthy for even half a season, let alone a whole one.

Heres how I would prioritize our offseason moves:

1. Collins

2.Pickett

3. Jolly

4.Colledge

5. Spitz

6.Tauscher

7. Clifton

8.Bigby

9. Kampman

10. Martin

11.  Kuhn

12. Green

13. Blackmon

For the past few years we have all witnessed what Favre does to his team in the offseason.  He holds the team hostage until training camp (this year it was until after two-a-days), then decides to return.  Year after year he talks retirement and returns to play, but will this year be different? I think not.  

This year is eerily similar to the way Favre imploded in the 2007 NFC Championship game.  He then proclaimed that he was retiring, which turned out to be a lie, and wanted to come back after the Pack had moved on.  He tried to hold the whole business/organization hostage even after they presented Favre with a fair offer, which was that he would compete for the starting spot. What more can you ask for?  

Nothing is given Brent, everything is earned.  I hope Vikings fans were watching when that drama queen wanted his way because they are in for a parade.  Yes, Favre has proven that he has some fumes left in the tank, but will he finally hang it up?

I caught the beginning of the press conference after the 2010 NFC Championship game last night. Favre held back the water works this time, but he sounded like an old man at the end of his road.  He sounded drained, especially after losing in the manner that he loves ( going down in flames). The gunslinger has lost a few MPHs on that fastball of his – he may need to use that Wrangler Jean wearing brain of his and make better decisions.  But has he ever?  No.  Will he ever?  I hope not (retire!)

It has been a long and storied career for the Ironman, and he should go down as the second greatest QB of all-time – second to Peyton Manning.  Favre should think about his last two shots at getting to the Super Bowl.  Once he threw the ball right to Corey Webster and once into a group of Saints with the same outcome – interceptions that blew his team’s shot at winning an overtime game to get to the Super Bowl.  

I think Favre’s main reason for unretiring was to stick it to the Packers, but did he?  Yes, he won both games against the Packers.  Yes, he ALMOST made the Super Bowl which was the team’s goal, but he has also stunted the growth of whomever is going to be the Vikings quarterback – which I appreciate!  He is also the sole reason why Brad Childress got  a contract extension – which I also appreciate!  As a Viking, Favre has done some good for us Packers fans.  But that should all be over now. Let’s enjoy as the Packers control the NFC North for years to come.

I hope the next time i see Favre will be on a “Just for Men” commercial, starring opposite Emmitt Smith.  Now that’s entertainment.

Question: How do the Wisconsin Badgers respond after a home win against the Duke Blue Devils?  Answer: They drive through a blizzard and get beaten down hard on the road by mid-major UW-Green Bay, losing 88-84 in overtime.

No, the transitive property is not viable in sports. UW-GB would lose to Duke ten out of ten times.  What happened to the Wisconsin Badgers last night? Bryquis Perine had 22 points to lead the UW-GB Phoenix while Rahmon Fletcher chipped in with 18 points.  Perine is a Milwaukee native who lead Milwaukee Vincent to a state title his senior year.  Trevon Hughes poured in 27 to lead the way for the Badgers while Keaton Nankivil had 26 points and 10 boards.  This was a sloppy game for the Badgers as they committed 18 turnovers and seemed to be reaching rather than moving their feet all night.

Bryquis Perine

What is going on in Madison?  They beat the Duke Blue Devils and then follow it up with this performance?! Last night was UW-GB’s first EVER victory over the Badgers. The Badgers are supposed to go into the little guys’ house and win by 15. This game was not televised outside of Madison and Green Bay and you will not find many video highlights of the game because the little guy can’t afford it!  But I am sure that the 9,759 on hand didn’t see the same Badgers team that they had seen up until last night.

Here are a few thoughts from the game:

1. Turnovers kill.
2. Missed free throws hurt (Badgers were 29-40).
3. Jason Bohannon, where are you? This is a guy who is supposed to be hitting threes from the moment he steps on the floor, and he just is not getting it done. 25% from behind the arc (1-4) will not cut it (actually, Bohannon was 1-4 in the game as well).  Still UW-GB showed up to play and took this game from the Badgers. They deserve the credit.

So, what does this mean for UW-GB in the Horizon League?

I saw my UWM (UW-Milwaukee Panthers) squad play Tuesday night and show very little effort while losing to Marquette by 20 points.  I hate everything about UWM’s swing offense. Butler has been losing a few games but against some very tough competition (Georgetown, Minnesota; Ohio State is next).  Detroit has beaten Albany…I guess that counts. Wright State almost beat Washington.  There is a lot to see here once conference play really gets going, but I see Butler and UW-GB as the class of this conference. The best case scenario is that two teams make the tourney, but Butler has to notch some wins in non-conference play.

After Butler and UW-GB, I see Wright State, Loyola, Detroit and UWM fighting for a home playoff game in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament.

Badger Nation should feel ashamed that their team is being discussed with the likes of the Horizon League!

In attendance at last night’s game in Green Bay were:

Packers (inconsistent) Kicker Mason Crosby

Mason Crosby

Packers Tackle (and GQ Model) Mark Tauscher

Ugh. He Ugly.

Yes, the Gophers and Badgers are both in the Big Ten. But we can’t ignore THE best conference in college basketball.  I may be buying into the ESPN bias of showing like eight games a week on their family of networks, but this IS the best conference in the nation.

The Big East should be showcased, and I have no problem with that.  Also, Marquette (in Milwaukee) does fall into the category of WiscoSota sports, but I don’t drink their milkshake. It tastes like shit. Either way, all teams and players in the Big East (at least the good ones) will get their due in this season preview.

Player of the Year

Luke Harangody F/C Notre Dame- The most unsexy pick and player in college basketball.  He will most likely get his 25 and 12 a night.  I would think defenses would key on him, but Notre Dame has done a good job of surrounding this Big Man with shooters and heady players.  I see him having another big year while Notre Dame will be fighting for an NCAA tourney bid.

Considerations would also have to go to Scottie Reynolds from Villanova, Desean Butler from West Virginia, Lazar Hayward from Marquette ( look for a big year without any other experienced scorers on the team)  and Greg Monroe from Georgetown.

Czar Lazar!

Newcomer of the Year (transfer or frosh)

Lance Stephenson G/F Cincinnati- This kid is not afraid to shoot the ball and he does…alot.  I watched him play in High School, and he basically was jacking shots from any and everywhere. He was not very efficient either, which is certainly not a good combo.

BUT, Stephenson and Devin Ebanks from West Virginia are probably the most athletic players in the Big East.  Lance uses his body well taking it to the rack and absorbing contact while finishing.  It will be interesting to see if he gets the calls early on in the season.  Another player to keep an eye on is freshman Dominic Cheek from Villanova.

Coach of the Year

Bob Huggins (Thuggins) West Virginia-  Its really a toss-up for me between Thuggins and Jay Wright from Villanova.  Both coaches have solid squads, and whoever finishes with the most wins should get Coach of the Year.  Also, if Rick Pitino can work some magic in Louisville, then he should be in the conversation as well.

The “Thuggins” reference comes from the fact that he recruits players who have questionable backgrounds, and at Cincinnati he had a 28% graduation rate. Not every player makes it to the NBA, Thuggins. Two notable NBAers that Thuggins has recruited are Kenyon Martin and Michael Beasley (was recruited by Thuggins but never played for him).

Bob Thuggin' it up

Most Imporoved Player

Kemba Walker G from Connectcuit-  This award could go to a number of different players because the league lost a lot of talented upperclassmen last year. These new guys will have their chance to shine.  The Huskies are looking to replace much of their team from last year and Kemba is the perfect guy to step up.

Kemba is a lightning-quick point guard who can get to the rack and hit the open J.  Last year he came off the bench in a small role, but now he has the reins to the team and it will be interesting if he can lead them.  Also, I feel like Mike Rosario from Rutgers will improve greatly in his all-around game.

Projected Finish

1. West Virginia-Devin Ebanks and Desean Butler will lead this team.
2. Villanova- When you run four guards and one Big, you need quality depth and they have that.
3. Louisville- Pitino will have this team vying for a Big East title by the end of the year.
4. UCONN-Stanley Robinson needs to take his game to the next level.
5. Syracuse- Love the way they play the 2-3 zone.
6. Georgetown- Greg Monroe running the high post should create lanes in the Princeton offense.
7. Notre Dame- Need shooters to make shots to complement Harangody.
8. Cincinnati- Deonta Vaughn looks to improve on his 15.3 ppg last year.  Look for nearly 20 this year.
9. Seton Hall- Jeremy Hazell finished second in the league in scoring at 22.3 a clip.
10. Pitt- Oh how the mighty have fallen. Watch Ashton Gibbs.
11. Rutgers- Mike Rosario is going to take the game by storm.
12. St. John’s- They have Crackbaby (Anthony) Mason Jr.
13. Marquette- Lazar Hayward will have to play out of his mind to help this team win.
14. Providence- Only have four returning players.
15. South Florida- I don’t know what to tell you…they are bad.
16. DePaul- went 0-18 last year.  They’re going to get one this year…right?

I think the Big East will have at least seven teams make The Dance this year. Eight teams is not out of the question, either. The Big East is, after all, THE best conference in college basketball.

In a heated affair last night, the Milwaukee Bucks edged the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum, 103-98.

Brandon Jennings led all scorers with 26 points, but he was hardly the top story.  Luke Ridnour and Ersan Ilyasova stole the spotlight.  Luke Ridnour came off the bench and had 13 points and 12 assists (8 in 1st half), while Ersan got the start at the 4-spot and finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Ersan hit the glass hard, boxed out bigger players all game long, and had some great passes on the offensive end.  He reminds me of a young but raw Dirk Nowitizki. Ilyasova is only 22 years old, and he seems to be buying into Skiles’ system because he is one of the most consistent defenders on the team.

Once again the team played short-handed without Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, LRMaM (Luc Richard Mbah a Moute), and Joe Alexander (Potsie).

Memphis jumped out to a ten point lead at the end of the first half.  They had everything falling down-low with their big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.  In the second half the Grizzlies stopped going down-low and started going one on one and playing with tunnel vision.

When the Grizzlies stopped moving the ball effectively, the Bucks began getting after it.  Memphis was paced by Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol who each had a double-double in points and rebounds. Gay had 24 and 10;  Gasol had 14 and 14.

Charlie Bell started making jump shots for the first time this year, and he finished the game with a season high 19 points, including 5 three pointers.  He was big all night on both ends of the floor.

Milwaukee travels to San Antonio to play the Spurs on Monday night.  The Spurs may still be without Manu Ginobili, but Tony Parker-Longoria returned last night and helped the team beat the Wiz.