WiscoSportsTalk

New Look Bucks Just Keep On Rolling

The Milwaukee Bucks’ newly acquired pieces and renewed commitment on the defensive end have resulted in a four game winning streak and a 28-28, .500 record overall.  As of today, that 28-28 record is good enough for seventh in the eastern conference and 1.5 and 3 games out of the sixtth and fifth play-off spots, respectively.  Many Bucks fans aren’t satisfied, though and plan on continuing the up-swing.  I don’t blame them.  It’s time to get excited! It’s time to buy in!

From many outsiders’ points of view, the Bucks are playing out of their minds and Bucks fans should curb their enthusiasm and brace themselves for the inevitable fall that usually comes with post- all-star break Bucks basketball.

No need Bucks fans.  Why? because this new team is entirely too sound for another fall like that to occur.

The Milwaukee Bucks, since making the trade for G John Salmons are  more balanced offensively and are unrelenting defensively.  John Salmons has helped the Bucks on the offensive end in a number of different ways.  Obviously, scoring the basketball (17.8 ppg since joining the team) but he has also helped by getting to the free throw line (5.8 attempts a night) and finding other teammatees.  He has also helped on the defensive end by staying in front of his man and using his 6′6 frame to challenge shooters.

The link above will take you to a discussion board topic titled “The Milwaukee Bucks, One of the great mysteries of the league”.  NBA fans are dumb founded by the fact that the Bucks are able to win despite having quote  “worst talent on paper in the league”.  If those same fans would take a look at the statistics and the way the Bucks play as a team, their winning ways might not be so mysterious.

First off, Andrew Bogut is finally the center piece of the Milwaukee Bucks’ offensive strategy and he has responded by averaging 17. 3 ppg, 11. 3 rebs and 2.8 blks per game over the month of February.  Bogut is also shooting an excellent 53% from the field and is the anchor for a Bucks defense that ranks ninth in the league in terms of defensive efficiency.

Second, the Bucks rank second last to the 5 win, New Jersey Nets when it comes to field goal percentage, but they also average the most field goal attempts per game in the league.  The Milwaukee Bucks are among the best offensive rebounding teams in the NBA and those reloads allow for them to be efficient offensively.

Third, the Bucks not only create second chance opportunities with their tremendous offensive rebounding capabilities but they have also convert the 6th most 3 point shots in the league, averaging almost eight made three pointers a game.

Mystery solved.  The Bucks are playing defense, working hard on the glass, sharing the ball with teammates and, most importantly, coming up with victories.  What more can you ask for?

The Bucks will look to continue their winning ways tonight in Indianapolis, against the Pacers and again Saturday and

Sunday on the road in Miami and Atlanta.  The Bucks can really help themselves by finding a way to win at least two out of these nextthree games.  Getting rookie PG Brandon Jennings going again offensively would be huge as the Bucks continue their play-off push.  I believe the Bucks can make the play-offs without the young Buck elevating his game but if Brandon can get his shooting percentage above 40% and he continues to knock down open three’s; we may be looking at the 5th or 6th seed in the Eastern Conference play-offs.

But like Andrew Bogut always says, lets take it one game at a time.  It starts tonight agaist the Pacers.

Go Buck!!

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Salmons to the Bucks, But what’s next?

Bucks fans got some good news during/following the 127-99 drubbing by the red hot Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.  Bucks fans who had a computer or smart phone on hand were elated to find out that the Bucks had traded F-C Kurt Thomas and C Francisco Elson to the Chicago Bulls for SG John Salmons.  John Salmons is a career 45% shooter and has really come on in the last two seasons (18 ppg) when he’s been given the opportunity to start.

Then, after a lot of speculation and anticipation for the the deal to be finalized, we found out that the two players originally reported to be involved, were completely wrong.  The actual deal involves PF Hakim Warrick and former lottery pick, F Joe Alexander for G John Salmons.  Even better!

This deal works out great for both teams for many reasons.  First, I mentioned earlier that John Salmons must start in order for a team to get his best effort.  That will not be a problem in Milwaukee because he will be expected to start and score at a high and efficient rate.  He’s also known as a capable defender and should be able to help on that end simply because hes the prototypical size for an NBA shooting guard.  You can’t say the same for current starter Charlie Bell (6′3) and backup Jodie Meeks (6′4).  This also works from a contractual standpoint because John Salmons makes a fair amount for his services this year (5.2 mil) and next (5.5 mil) then expires after the 2010-2011 season.  This fits in perfectly with GM John Hammonds grand 2011 plan that sees Michael Redd’s and Dan Gadzuric’s contracts expire and clear 25.5 mil off the books just between the two. Also, the Bulls clear nearly 5.6 mil off the books this off-season as they prepare to make a run at one of the prized 2010 NBA free agents.

There is still much speculation that suggests the Bucks will make another move before today’s two o’clock deadline.  The Bucks have made it clear that they covet a Power Forward and have shown interest in Pacers F Troy Murphy and Clippers F Drew Gooden ( who may be re-leased/bought out).  Many dont believe the Bucks plan to move on with the streaky 22 year old PF Ersan Ilyasova and the offensively limited F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.  Adam “Big A” Maritato suggested the Bucks trade PG Luke Ridnour and C Kurt Thomas for Knicks F Al Harrington.  The Knicks have stated that they covet Luke Ridnour and Al Harrington could fill the void at PF for this season and provide some offensive capability.  The problem is, Al Harrington would be tough to sell the idea of defense to and I think he may end up in Scott Skiles’ dog house; much like Hakim Warrick did.

Follow WiscoSportsTalk on Twitter for more Bucks rumors leading up to the trade deadline and stay tuned tomorrow for the NBA/Bucks update podcast that will cover every move made around the NBA and it’s impact.

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The Packers Draft Picks: Picks 1-3

The Green Bay Packers off-season figures to be a an interestng and, most likely, long process.  The buzz is that the Packers are quickly working to grind out deals with NT Ryan Pickett and FS Nick Collins . So Im going to assume that those deals get hammered out and are of no concern come draft day.  So, when referring to Adam “Big A” Maritato’s article, I concluded that the Packers have two glaring weaknesses that they must address on the first day of the draft.  Those two areas of need are Offensive Tackle and Corner-back.  With many of our offensive linemen entering un/restricted free agency, we can’t assume that they will

all be brought back.  The packers have made it clear that they want to build through the draft and avoid long, expensive contracts, especially with the possibility of an un-capped year.  We also cannot assume that CBs Al Harris, Will Blackmon, and Pat Lee will all recover from their injuries and be productive members of this team by next season, if at all.  These positions must be filled and I believe that there are plenty of talented, young prospects in this years draft to fill the void.  So with out further ado…….

The Packers Selections Round 1-3-

Round 1: (in order of preference)

OT Anthony Davis- Rutgers- 6′6, 328 lbs

OT Bryan Bulaga- Iowa- 6′6, 311 lbs

OT Bruce Campbell- Maryland- 6′6, 312 lbs.

I think with the likely departure and age of the packers current Offensive Tackles, this position needs to be addressed in the 1st round of this years draft.  Although, I was quoted on the Podcast saying that the Packers true needs lie in the defensive backfield; this years draft seems to be loaded with 1st round caliber Offensive Tackles and the Packers can’t afford to let one of those gems slip by.

Round 2:

CB Kyle Wilson- Boise St.- 5′10, 190 lbs

CB Devin McCourty- Rutgers- 5′11 190 lbs.

CB Javier Arenas- Alabama- 5′9 200 lbs.

What I love about this group of Cornerbacks is that they are described as strong tacklers.  Part of the reason the packers were great against the run was because

Charles Woodson was exceptional at taking on blockers and making tackles on ball carriers.  Kyle Wilson may go higher than this because his stock is at an all time high Following an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl.  But He, Devin McCourty and Javier

Arenas would easily be able to step in and contribute as a Nickel or Dime back next season.  All of these guys are great athletes and projected as future starters in the NFL, save for a few reviews on Arenas.  All three of these Cornerbacks double as Kick/Punt returners for their respective college teams and all possess “home run” capability.  I would love any one of these picks.

Round 3:

RB  Dexter Mccluster- Ole Miss- 5′8, 165 lbs.

S Darrel Stuckey- Kansas- 6′1, 205 lbs.

ILB Daryl Washington- TCU- 6′3, 234 lbs.

Dexter McCluster may be small, but this little rocket runs a 4.32 40 yard dash.  This Kid has the agility and the speed to break one for a touchdown on any play.  Many compare him to Darren Sproles, which I would have to agree with.  If the packers arent confortable with the playmaking ability of one of their earlier picks and this guy is still on the board; they have to take him.  Darrel Stuckey is known as a safety that can cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time.  Stuckey has topped out at 4.4 in the 40 yard dash but consistently runs around a 4.5.  If he runs 4.5 at the combine, I would expect him to be around in the 3rd round when the Packers select.  Daryl Washington is an interesting pick because he’s got excellent side-line to side-line speed and is described as an excellent tackler.  The Packers need to evaluate ILB, AJ Hawks progression and decide whether this season was just a hiccup in what will be a productive career or if this season was a foreshadow for what to expect long term. I personally feel that a replacement, at the very least, needs to be considered.  AJ hawk repeatedly over – pursues running lanes which results in him getting blocked out of the play entirely.  He’s no stalwart in pass coverage either; AJ struggles in Man and Zone.  If the Packers feel the same way I do,  Daryl Washington makes a lot of sense here in the 3rd round.

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Redd Rusty in Return; Bucks Lose to Spurs

The Milwaukee Bucks could not continue the win streak Monday night in San Antonio.  Michael Redd looked like he hadn’t picked up a basketball since his injury against Detroit earlier in the season as he went 1-6 from the charity stripe.

While the Bucks looked flat in the first half,  Spurs fan favorite Matt Bonner ignited his team by sinking several three pointers on his way to a 23 point, 6 rebound night.  The Bucks ended the half up by two but couldn’t sustain the lead as Tim Duncan and George Hill hit several shots to expand the lead.

Rookie Brandon Jennings looked human as he converted on just 6 of his 21 shots and committed 5 turnovers.  Ersan Ilyasova and Hakim Warrick probably should have shot more often as they combined for 35 points while shooting 65% from the field.  The Power Forward tandem also converted on all of their combined 8 free throw attempts.

For the majority of the game, the Bucks lacked the energy and discipline on the defensive end that has carried them to their surprising start.  Next stop is New Orleans to take on the Chris Paul-less Hornets (6-9, Home 5-2, away 1-7).

Notes:

Andrew Bogut:  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Andrew Bogut is eyeing an early return and will be out anywhere from four to eleven games, depending on how his body responds during recovery.

(LRMaM) Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is still listed as day to day.

Bucks v.s Spurs Highlights:

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No Bogut, No Redd, No Problem

With the recent injuries to “Redd and Gimpy” (Guard Michael Redd and Center Andrew Bogut) many Milwaukee Bucks fans figured that the season was going to slowly fall back into the proverbial basement that they have seemed to get comfortable in the past few years.

Nuh Uh!!

Not anymore. Not with this bunch, and certainly not with rookie sensation, Brandon Jennings.  If there are still any doubts about how good he is, and even scarier, how good he can be, they should have been squashed with last night’s performance.

A Bucks team without Redd, Bogut and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute played well enough to win against an also short-handed Charlotte Bobcats team, 95-88.

The Bucks maintained a double-digit lead for the better part of three quarters during Friday night’s game, and Brandon Jennings was a big reason why.  Jennings jumped on the Bobcats early, scoring 17 of his game-high 29 points in the the first quarter.

The Bobcats began to key in on Jennings after his excellent first quarter, which allowed for Jennings to show his ability as a facilitator.

Jennings racked up 7 assists during the ball game while setting up teammates, Carlos Delfino (9 points, 6 rebs, 5 assists), Ersan Ilyasova (13 points, 7 rebs) and Hakim Warrick (16, 9 rebs).  Luke Ridnour also hit some big shots down the stretch when the Bobcats began to make a push late in the fourth quarter.

I’m choosing not to focus on the fact that the Bucks allowed their opponent to shoot a season-high 51 % from the field while they shot just 41%.

I’m choosing not to focus on the fact that the Bobcats attempted twice as many free throws as the Bucks did, but managed to convert only 60% of them.

I’m also choosing to overlook the fact that the Bucks turned the ball over more times than the Bobcats did, and when you add up all these mistakes, it’s astonishing that we won.

I’m going to focus on the fact that, despite all of that, The Bucks are adding another notch to the Win column.  Excellent. Now the Bucks need to forget about last game and focus on doing it again.

After last night’s win, the Bucks immediately boarded a plane headed to Memphis, TN to take on the Grizzles (4-8, 3-2 Home, 1-6 Away).

Don’t let the record fool you.  This team is capable of scoring in a variety of different ways and without Andrew Bogut, it’s going to be frustrating going against the likes of  6′11 Power Forward, Zach Randolph and 7′1 budding Center, Marc Gasol.

The Bucks will also have their hands full with scoring Gaurd OJ Mayo and high-flyng Forward Rudy Gay.

The Bucks schedule is starting to look a lot tougher and with the recent injuries to three key starters, the Bucks will need everybody every night to try to weather the storm.

We have Brandon jennings, therefore I Believe.  Do you?

Highlights from last night’s win at Home against the Bobcats:

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Bogut and Delfeezy Lead Bucks to Another Victoreezy

Andrew Bogut and Carlos Delfino each poured in 21 as the 6-3 Bucks beat up on the hopeless 0-12 Nets, 99-85.  Rookie Sensation Brandon Jennings had 19 points and 8 assists but also had 8 turnovers.

Nets were lead by CDR (Chris Douglas-Roberts) and rookie T-Will (Terrence Williams) who both reached career highs in points with 31 and 20, respectively.

Bucks have one more home game against the recently acquired Stack Jack (Stephen Jackson) and the Charlotte Bobcats before they hit the road for four games.

The Bucks are indicating that veteran guard Michael Redd should be returning in two games from his minor knee injury.

Bogut is expected to miss two to four weeks with a leg strain and a contusion. That’s right, I said contusion, not concussion. Essentially, Bogut is expected to miss two to four weeks with a leg bruise.

Remember the Green Bay Packers old punter, Josh Bidwell? Well, he had testicular cancer and ended up losing one of his balls. And he still has more balls than Andrew Bogut.

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