Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Outlook

Now that the Miami Heat properly disposed of the Bucks out of the playoffs, it's time to focus on the offseason for the borderline lottery team. I'll be taking a look at head coaching possibilities, who the Bucks might look at in the NBA draft, and who the Bucks could target in free agency.

The Bucks will be in search for a new head coach for starters as Jim Boylan was relieved of his duties shortly after the Bucks made a quick exit from the playoffs. Nothing against Boylan, but he isn't what the Bucks want as a head coach heading into the offseason. His name doesn't draw any excitement to potentially land a free agent. (Actually, nothing about the Bucks really excites free agents but I'm on a roll here so I'm going to just keep going.) Boylan is a good guy and he will find employment elsewhere.

Brian Shaw as an assistant under Phil Jackson's Lakers.

A name I've been wanting to be the Bucks head coach since Skiles was fired is Brian Shaw. He is an assistant head coach for the Indiana Pacers, who are currently in a series with the New York Knicks. Before his gig with Indiana, Shaw served as an assistant coach with the Lakers for seven years. Shaw is everything you want in an NBA coach. Great leader. He can keep a locker room together, unlike Skiles who had all sorts of disciplinary issues with former players on the Bucks. The only downside to Shaw is that the Bucks won't be the only team interested in him. The 76ers, Nets, and Cavaliers are also interested in the services of Brian.

Other names circulating are the Van Gundy brothers, Jerry Sloan, and Kelvin Sampson. I wouldn't mind either of the Van Gundy brothers. Great coaches, great name value, and great draw. From what I understand, Jerry Sloan wants to sign with a contending team. So that pretty much eliminates him from the Bucks search, if we truly want to be honest with each other.

Two names that have had interviews with the Bucks are Kelvin Sampson (current Rockets assistant) and Nate McMillan (former Trailblazers head coach). Kelvin Sampson is a product of Scott Skiles...PASS. Nate McMillan is the former coach of Portland, which I'm sure many reading this did not know that until just today...PASS. Seriously, can the Bucks prove me wrong and just do one thing right? Just once is all I ask for. 

Moving onto the draft, I fully expect another trade from Hammond like we've seen in years past. We will likely trade down, maybe acquire an additional pick or a player on the trading block at the time of the draft. The Bucks could potentially lose all three guards (Jennings, Ellis, Redick) this offseason so the guard position needs to be addressed. Ersan had a lack luster year for the Bucks and they could to look to move him one year after he signed his big contract. When the Bucks traded away Tobias Harris, it left a huge hole at the small forward position. Basically, besides power forward and center, the Bucks need to add depth. Here are a few names I would look at in the NBA Draft class.

Dario Šarić, SF/PF, Croatia (6'10", 19 years old, 223lbs.) (Projected Top 15/mid 1st round pick) - Great mid range jumper, streaky a bit from 3-point range. He has an unorthodox jump shot, which may lead to streaks of missing shots. He's an excellent rebounder. Great ball handler and passer. His defense needs to improve a bit, but that comes with experience. He has a seven foot wing span, so there's that. (Highlight Video)

Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky (6'5", 18 years old, 195lbs.) (Projected mid 1st round pick) - I got lazy and decided not to write five paragraphs on how much I like the potential in Archie Goodwin, so here's a 15 minute scouting video instead. (This pick would be Doron Lamb 2.0, literally. But, better upside.)



Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (5'11", 20 years old, 162lbs.) (Projected mid/late 1st round pick) - Yes, Barry Larkin's kid. I went there. As I mentioned before the Bucks could be without Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis, and JJ Redick next season. The thing I like about Larkin the most is that in his early age he takes a lot of responsibility in his play. If Miami lost, he blamed himself and his play and not others. Much like his father, sign of a true leader. He's got a good head on his shoulders and shouldn't be a locker room issue. He has a lot of pride. Good passer, always finds the open man. Takes smart shots. His only disadvantage will be his height and size, as he barely reaches six feet tall and weighs a buck-sixty. (Highlight Video)

Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan (6'6", 21 years old, 185lbs.) (Projected late 1st/early 2nd round pick) - Hardaway Jr.  is going to be an elite player in the NBA, just like his father was for the Warriors and Heat. He is an NBA ready play and needs to develop very little to become a regular starter. A little tweaks in his offensive mechanics and being more consistent on defense would take him to the next level. He does a great job at creating separation for his jump shot, which is one of his strongest attributes. The Bucks need an elite shooting guard, and Hardaway Jr. is that guy. He has all the tools to become a great player in the NBA. (Highlight Video)

Deshaun Thomas, SF/PF, Ohio State (6'7", 21 years old, 221lbs.) (Projected mid 2nd round pick) - Deshaun Thomas was the leading scorer in arguably the toughest conference last season (B1G TEN). He's a 34.4% shooter from 3-point range and a 44% overall shooter from the field. For how good he is on offense, that's how many questions surround him on defense. The biggest question is can he keep up with the NBA pace and play effective defense? Whoever drafts him will have to find out. This highlight video below shows how great of an all around basketball player Thomas is on offense. (Highlight Video)

Finally, the free agent market is shaping up to be something the Bucks should take a look at. One name that sticks out for many reasons is small forward Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks. The biggest reason is that the Bucks nearly had him coming to town via a trade at the deadline in February. Second, the Bucks need help at the small forward position. Yes, Smith is listed as a power forward. I know that. However, with Henson and Ilyasova sharing the power forward spot, Smith would fit in fine at small forward. You could put Ilyasova at small forward too, but I think Ersan is a better rebounder on both sides of the ball than Josh Smith. Smith is more of a defensive rebounder while Ersan stays consistent on both sides of the ball. Smith is also a better shooter than Ersan, in my opinion. Smith can really play anywhere on the court except point and center. He's that versatile. Mike Dunleavy is a great backup, but not a starter by any means and is also a free agent. However, Dunleavy has said he would like to return to the Bucks. Here are a few other names the Bucks should look at.

Jarrett Jack, PG/SG - Jack was arguably one of the best 6th man off the bench for any team this year and was in the running to win the Sixth Man of the Year award that eventually went to J.R. Smith of the Knicks. His stats off the bench just about line up with Jennings' stats, who starts. Now, the Warriors have a much better offense than the Bucks, but it is worth noting. He could fill in as a JJ Redick type player who could run the point as well as play shooting guard. Want a preview of him? Watch the Spurs/Warriors series going on right now in the NBA playoffs.

O.J. Mayo, SG - Highly unlikely Mayo walks away from Dallas for Milwaukee, but the Bucks have some money to spend. As I stated above, the Bucks have longed for premier shooter. Mayo is a much better guard then Monta Ellis will ever be. Mayo is a career 43% FG shooter, 38% 3-point shooter, and an 81% free throw shooter compared to Ellis who is a career  45% FG shooter, 31% 3-point shooter, and a 77% free throw shooter. Mayo would make the previous Bucks front office blunders of trading Ray Allen and letting Michael Redd walk not feel so painful.

DeJuan Blair, PF - About the only news tidbit to come out from the Bucks front office so far this offseason other than the coaching search is that the Bucks will be looking for a player to compliment Larry Sanders and John Henson in the paint. DeJuan Blair is the name that sticks out the most for me in this NBA free agent class. Now, if the Bucks would rather have another center with Samuel Dalembert likely on his way out, we could turn our attention to a guy like Al Jefferson or Chris Kaman. (No, the Bucks aren't going after Andrew Bynum or Dwight Howard.)

Not worth picking a specific player, but it's worth mentioning. The Bucks have lacked a good veteran presence that is a big enough name to draw a crowd. That is not a knock on Drew Gooden at all. I respect Drew. He's a good guy. What I'm saying is is that a name like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, etc wouldn't be a bad idea for the Bucks to pursue as well. They need a little spark in the crowd, and a name like that would do justice.

The Bucks are going to be a team to follow this offseason as there is going to be a strong movement of out with the old and in with the new. A new coach, likely half of the starters will be new, and the entire bench could be new. They have a lot of money to spend, and I expect the Bucks to make a splash or two this offseason.

I want to finish this with a report from Ken Berger of CBS Sports. This news came out this morning, about 3 hours ago from the time I'm typing this. This article furthers my belief that the Bucks are really going to blow things up and start fresh almost everywhere. Here it is, word for word:

"The Milwaukee Bucks' search for a head coach has emphasized strong-willed candidates who would be able to control the locker room. Now we know why.

Monta Ellis and Larry Sanders nearly came to blows in the locker room after Game 3 of Milwaukee's first-round sweep at the hands of defending champion Miami, four people with knowledge of the confrontation told CBSSports.com.

Though the players had to be separated, the dust-up didn't get serious enough to trigger disciplinary action for either player. One source described the confrontation as “just words between teammates in the locker room.” But the incident offered a glimpse into some troubling team dynamics as the Bucks navigate a critical offseason for the franchise.

After the Bucks lost 104-91 to the Heat in Milwaukee on April 25, Sanders vented in the locker room and said in a fiery speech, “We need to start playing together as a team and stop worrying about next year,” according to one of the people briefed on the confrontation. “We need to stop being selfish and start worrying about right now.”

Ellis “took umbrage,” according to another person with knowledge of the situation. Correctly assuming that Sanders' comments were directed primarily at him and backcourt mate Brandon Jennings, who both are prospective free agents, Ellis approached Sanders and squared off with him, sources said. A teammate got between the two players and separated them before the conflict became physical.

Ellis was 2-for-9 with seven points and six assists in the game and became livid that Sanders implied he was playing selfishly with free agency looming this summer. Ellis can opt out of his $11 million contract for next season, and Jennings -- a restricted free agent -- has made no secret of his desire to explore an exit strategy from Milwaukee this summer.

The Bucks were swept by the Heat after Jennings had predicted on Twitter they would win in six games. The team fired interim coach Jim Boylan, who replaced Scott Skiles in January after Skiles and the Bucks agreed to part ways.

Bucks GM John Hammond, who got a three-year extension in January, has interviewed former Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan and Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson for the head coaching job. It is believed Hammond also will reach out to former Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and Lakers assistant Steve Clifford, a Van Gundy disciple who worked for Stan in Orlando and brother Jeff in Houston, sources said.

Hammond declined to comment on the April 25 confrontation between Sanders and Ellis, calling it “an internal team matter.”

The Bucks acquired Ellis from Golden State in March 2012 in a deal that sent Andrew Bogut to the Warriors. Oddly, a member of the proposed ownership group trying to keep the Kings in Sacramento has done some background checking on Ellis as a possibility for the Kings if the team decides to part ways with restricted free agent Tyreke Evans this summer, a league source involved in the discussions said. Ellis is weighing his options and hasn't decided yet whether he will opt out of his $11 million deal.

Sanders, 24, had a breakout year in his first season as a regular starter and was a top contender for defensive player of the year and most-improved player honors."

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go, @Mik3_Schu, @jheldred, @olewr7, and @Stevie2Westside. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

NBA Year End Awards

I initially started this as a “Bucks end-of-season awards” piece, but that quickly became depressing so I moved on to the NBA as a whole. The internet would do just fine without my opinion on the matter but I really wanted to write something NBA-centric, so deal with it.

MVP
1. Lebron James, F, Miami Heat
2. Kevin Durant, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Carmelo Anthony, F, New York Knicks
4. Chris Paul, PG, LA Clippers
5. Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs

Well, duh. I don’t really feel that this choice needs much explanation, but I’ll give you one anyways. Lebron is the best player in the league. He plays on the best team, a team that happens to be the best because he plays on it. He just set career-highs in field goal %, 3-point %, and true shooting %, and also posting career lows in fouls and turnovers per game. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) was off the charts (blowing away the rest of the league), and he also managed to be one of the top defensive players in the league. If stats are not your bag, watching any Heat game will tell you everything you need to know. He’s the boring choice for MVP, but he’s unquestionably the right choice. In a world where Lebron James does not exist, Durant would be the worthy MVP. But Lebron does exist, so….

Rookie of the Year
1. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trailblazers
2. Anthony Davis, C, New Orleans Hornets
3. Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards
4. Andre Drummond, PF/C, Detroit Pistons
5. John Henson, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks

This race is just as clear-cut as MVP. Lillard ran away with it plain and simple, keeping a mediocre Portland team relevant for a majority of the season. Despite coming from a small school and playing a demanding position both physically and mentally, Lillard played more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie. He finished 12th in scoring (19.0 ppg), 17th in assists (6.5 apg), 5th in made threes (185), and second in minutes (38.6 mpg). He played big in big moments, having some of his best games against the top teams in the league. He was putrid defensively, but that’s not all that surprising for a rookie who carried as big a load as he did.

Davis was a nightly double-double threat who averaged nearly two blocks a game, and probably would have given Lillard a run for his money had he not missed 18 games due to injury. Every other candidate had their moments but couldn’t maintain production consistently.

Defensive Player of the Year
1. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
2. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
3. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls
4. Andre Iguodala, Denver Nuggets
5. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Gasol’s traditional numbers aren’t flashy (7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.7 blocks), but he’s the anchor of the toughest defensive team in the league. He’s the Grizzlies’ quarterback on defense, making sure everyone’s in the right spot and helping out when they’re not. He’s too strong for opponents to take one-on-one, and protects the basket well against penetration. He does it all.

All of the other players on the list had tremendous defensive seasons in their own right, but Gasol was head and shoulders above the competition. Noah would have made it more of a discussion, but simply missed too many games with a foot injury.

Sixth Man of the Year
1. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
2. J.R. Smith, New York Knicks
3. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Hornets
4. Jarrett Jack, Golden State Warriors
5. Kevin Martin, Oklahoma City Thunder

This was the toughest one for me to pick. I considered copping out and splitting the award between Smith and Crawford, but I took a stand and chose Crawford. Smith has been ridiculously hot since the All-Star break and as a result is probably the odds-on favorite, but Crawford’s been consistently excellent off the bench all season, and I think consistency should play a huge part in this award. Crawford has a significant edge in FG %, 3-pt %, and FT %. Smith has a large edge in rebounds and points per game, but also plays more minutes; Crawford’s per-36 minutes scoring average is better.  Neither guy plays a lick of defense, so there’s no edge to be had there. Smith’s tremendous run of games will probably earn him the award, but I find Crawford equally deserving.

 

Most Improved Player
1. LARRY SANDERS!, Milwaukee Bucks
2. Greivis Vasquez, New Orleans Hornets
3. Earl Clark, Los Angeles Lakers
4. Nikola Vukevic, Orlando Magic
5. Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic/Milwaukee Bucks

This award literally has no criteria, so there’s almost no wrong answer. You could legitimately argue for Lebron or Durant, and no one could tell you you’re wrong. But I view this award differently than most people. Here’s how I view it; who made the greatest leap in usefulness? Who went from being a bottom-of-the-roster player or fringe rotation guy to a legitimate NBA player? Paul George and Jrue Holiday aren’t eligible for me; they were already good players who just saw a boost in playing time or progressed as they were expected to. All of the players I listed were either unknowns or poor players that made huge strides this season.

Sanders may be a homer pick, but his progression is nothing short of incredible. Prior to the 2012-13 season, he was barely playable. Inefficient offensively and undisciplined defensively, he pretty much only saw playing time because the Bucks had no one else. His per-36 minutes numbers really tell the story; he’s retained his elite shot-blocking skill while drastically cutting down on his fouls, and improving in every other statistical category. He’s become one of the better defensive big men in the game despite being undersized for his position, and has grown into a much more efficient offensive player, showing better hands in the post and cutting down on the foolish shots.

Vasquez had a similar boost in productivity this season, but showed some flashes at the end of last year. Vukevic probably had the best season of the group, but also showed flashes last year and almost fits under the category of a good player who saw a big boost in minutes.

Coach of the Year
1. George Karl, Denver Nuggets
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
3. Eric Spoelstra, Miami Heat
4. Mike Woodson, New York Knicks
5. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls

This one’s pretty difficult to pick without actually knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. We can judge a coach’s performance based on how his team played relative to our expectations, or based on perceived level of difficulty based on injuries. But it’s pretty much impossible for us to know everything a coach does for his team, especially in the locker room. There are a lot of unknowns, but I went with my gut feeling here. Karl’s Nuggets have been impressive all season, weathering a difficult schedule early on before going on a late-season tear that earned them the third seed in the West. The Nuggets were their usual dominant selves at home, but became a better road team this season and imposed their unique style of play on just about every opponent. And they managed all this without a star player, a truly impressive feat in a league dominated by star players. Cases could be made for anyone on this list, but to me Karl stands out.

So there are my picks. Now go enjoy the playoffs.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Jerry Eldred (@jheldred)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu, @jheldred, @Stevie2Westside, and @olewr7. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Mailbag: Brewers, NFL Draft, Brandon Jennings, and More

Q1: If Ryan Braun is found "guilty", who ends up in LF? - @NotFakeBenWeege

I don't think there is enough evidence against Ryan to even make a case to suspend him. His name on two pieces of paper surely isn't valid. I don't think anyone should be at all worried at the moment unless MLB releases something on a decision. Cause all of the reports saying Braun will be suspended are all false, and they were proven false by a few reliable sources. To answer your question, I think Khris Davis or Caleb Gindl would get the call to play left field for 50 games just based on how they are playing this spring.

Q2: Do you think there's a chance the Packers sign Micheal Turner and pair him with DuJuan Harris? - @davidjames2004

Five years ago, Michael Turner would have been a great free agent pick up. I don't think Ted Thompson has any interest in signing a free agent running back, especially Michael Turner. Now, if he was looking to sign Steven Jackson, Reggie Bush, or Ahmad Bradshaw, then I'd be interested. I see Ted using one of the nine draft picks on a running back. Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball, and Christine Michael have been linked to the Packers for a few months now. I am in favor of having Harris paired with a veteran. I like that idea a lot. Good question.

Q3: Who do you think could be a surprise contributor for the Brewers next season? - @zdugan3

I'll answer this from both sides of the ball. First, pitching. I think Marco Estrada has himself set up for a fantastic season as the Brewers' number two pitcher. He has tremendous upside and is a big sleeper for 2013. In 2012, Estrada put up ace-esque numbers with 5.32 K/BB ratio, a 9.3 K/9 ratio, and a 2.0 BB/9 ratio. If Estrada can pitch a full season, which would be a first in his career, I think he could really turn some heads. As for offense, I think the obvious choice is Rickie Weeks. There is no way he can be as bad as he was last year, and I feel he will bounce back nicely in 2013. After the All-Star break, Weeks batted .261 with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases.

Q4: If the Bucks let Brandon Jennings walk, who do you use cap space on? - @patrickbucky

I can assure you that the directive of the Bucks is that they will match any offer Jennings receives. The idea is to Let Ellis walk, resign Jennings and Redick and pair them with Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova. With the cap space that becomes available, the Bucks will obviously target Josh Smith, much like they did before the trade deadline. Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Josh Howard, and Kyle Korver all appeal to me as well. Since the Bucks are the least valuable team in the NBA, establishing a legit "Big 3" would go along way to draw a crowd at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Drawing interest in your team is how you start to make money as a franchise. It doesn't matter how many wins you have at the end of the year, it's about who you put on the court. 

Q5: Do you think Sam Dekker will make it in the NBA? All-Star? - @L_Myers12

Too early to tell right now. He certainly has the potential. He'll be entering his second season with the Badgers next year. Let's see how that plays out before we start predicting NBA futures. He has a legit shot at Big 10 6th Man of the Year, though.  

Q6: What is the condition of Aramis Ramirez? - @packbrewfan1

The Brewers released yesterday that Aramis Ramirez will be sidelined for 7-10 days with a sprained knee. The club was trying to give Aramis more at bats in spring to quicken his slow start process so he would be hot by Opening Day. That idea backfired when Aramis jammed his knee sliding into second base. Ramirez will rest up and will test his knee out in about a week. With Ramirez aging, the signing of Alex Gonzalez looks even better now as he can provide depth at third base. 

Q7: Jenkins or Canty or neither? Position for first round pick? - @NeisesTom

I wouldn't mind either. Jenkins said he would love a Packers reunion, but I don't think Ted Thompson feels the same. Canty is scheduled to come into Green Bay to meet with the staff and have a physical. A lot of people view Canty as a high profile player that would be a perfect fit for the Packers, and the organization is well aware of that. I think the Packers understand the importance of filling the holes that developed over last season. As far as drafting in the first round, I would like to see a running back, wide receiver, or offensive line.  

Q8: Thoughts on Hiram Burgos in the Bigs this year? - @AlexTJohnson

He'll be in Triple-A for the duration of the 2013 season with a few spot starts for the Brewers throughout the year. He'll be a September call up for sure. Looking further, Burgos will make a strong case to be in the Brewers starting rotation heading into the 2014 season.

Q9: Are the Brewers improving this year? - @EthanWotruba

Improving is tough to say. I think what the Brewers are doing right now is feeling out the farm system and seeing what works and doesn't work. They are looking to have a contending team again by 2014/2015 and they are putting themselves in the perfect position to do so. They cut the salary by almost 25% and still have a viable offense with a decent bullpen and an inexperienced starting rotation. They are sitting well with player development. Pitchers and position players in the minor have strides before they are at a major league level and considered legitimate by baseball writers.

Q10: How do you feel about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar being the next coach of the Milwaukee Bucks? There's talk and he said he'd do it. - @HarrisonFtw

I would love Kareem as the head coach for the Bucks. It relates to what I talked about before about drawing a crowd. Milwaukee would love to see Kareem on the Bucks again, only this time as a coach. Granted, Jabbar has said some things about Milwaukee that were rather not nice. But, in a recent interview he expressed interest in coaching the Bucks. Therefore, I am absolutely an advocate for it. Other names that have been brought up for the coaching vacancy are Jerry Sloan, Stan Van Gundy, and Brian Shaw.

Thank you all who have participated! See you all again in April for the next Mailbag Blog!

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Milwaukee Bucks Acquire JJ Redick

JJ Redick was among the most coveted players at the trade deadline this year, and for the second straight season, the Bucks up another big pickup at the trade deadline.

So what do you think of the Bucks picking up the sharpshooter in Redick?  Here are some thoughts and feelings from around the web:

Adam Kennedy of HoopsWorld is all in favor of the trade from the Bucks side: “Redick has been having a career-year in Orlando and he makes the Bucks a much better team as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff push.”

ESPN’s Chris Broussard thinks the Bucks are the big winner of the deadline: “JJ Redick is a shooter who should play well off of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.” 

ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton gave the Bucks a C+ for their move at the deadline, writing the real upgrade comes when “Redick takes Ellis' minutes, giving Milwaukee a more efficient option at shooting guard.”

Redick is absolutely having a career year, shooting 45% from the field and averaging 15.1 PPG.  One attribute you know you get with Redick is premiere shooting; he’s a career 40% shooter from behind the arc and is shooting 89% from the free throw line this year.  He fits the Bucks mold of able shooters to fit in with Dunleavy, Ilyasova and scorers in Jennings and Ellis.  This gives the Bucks a capable jump shooting team, to say the least. 

What does this trade resolve?  Well, the Bucks are currently 25^th in the NBA in FG%.  Redick helps there.  They’re 20^th in 3P%.  Redick helps there.  And he seemingly fits well into the Bucks system of offense as he’ll snag minutes between Jennings and Ellis who are currently averaging 37.5 MPG.

The Redick scouting report:

-Redick is a bit different than the Kyle Korver catch-and-shoot type as he uses more shot fakes and is a more capable defender.

-Much like Ellis and Jennings, he’s a bit undersized for his position at just 6’4, but a very Coach K solid player with good overall skills.

-There’s nothing too dazzling about his game—he’s fundamental and a premiere shooter type with a high basketball IQ and can handle better than you may think.

-He doesn’t turn the ball over much and can play the point guard spot; he’ll presumably slide into the PG position with Ellis on the court or SG with Jennings in, depending on the scenario.

-While he can shoot well, he is not great at creating his own shot off the dribble.

-Redick gets to the charity line at a decent clip.

Moreover, he’s coming off what is likely the best month of his career in January where he averaged 17.5 PPG shooting 45% from the field.  Not too shabby. 

The worry with Redick is that the Bucks have further crowded their backcourt.  Who will lose playing time in this?  You’d have to figure Monta Ellis.  In fact, Redick may be the antithesis of Ellis: Ellis, who can be described as hot and cold, a poor defender and an irrational shooter, is different than Redick who plays fundamental and controlled basketball, takes smart shots and plays to his game.

The trade is definitely geared toward the short term since Redick’s contract expires at season’s end and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.  Redick’s may be in the market for a 4-year, $40MM contract come the offseason, which would be a steep price for the Bucks to pay for a player inching towards 30 and having a career year.  But for the Bucks, the reward exceeded the risk: they believe Redick can be the remote difference and make them a playoff team come late April.

So what did they give up?

Doron Lamb has bounced between the D-League and Bucks for the last few months while Tobias Harris has had to show mighty patience to get into the starting lineup.  Beno Udrih, a solid backup point guard to Jennings, will be missed mainly for his spelling Jennings at PG on occasion.  Udrih’s contract is set to expire at season’s end, too.

Harris is my only real concern here—Jim Boylan was recently on Dennis Krause’s Sports Program praising Harris’ work ethic, character and potential.  We never really got to see the no. 19 pick of the 2011 draft bloom.  We saw flashes of what he can do, but with the long term signing of Ilyasova, emergence of Larry Sanders and consistency between Mbah a Moute and Dunleavy, Harris could not crack consistent playing time.  For that reason, the trade made plenty of sense on both sides: the Magic, seeking high first round draft picks ended up settling for two draft picks of the last two years.  It wasn’t a bad decision either considering the rawness of both players and fact that the 2013 draft looks like a rather weak one at this point. 

Are you excited about the addition of Redick to the Bucks?  Will he be a rental player or can the Bucks re-sign him, especially considering the fact that Ellis may opt for free agency at season’s end?

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Sean Mahon (@SMahon2Go)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Interview with Brewers Prospect Jimmy Nelson

Player Profile

Name: James J Nelson

Age: 23 (Born 06/05/1989)

Birthplace: Niceville, FL

High School: Niceville HS

College: University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

Height: 6' 6"

Weight: 245 lbs.
Year Drafted: 2012 (2nd Round, 92nd overall)

Position: Starting Pitcher

Throws: R

Bats: R

Minor League Affiliate: Huntsville Stars
Twitter: @Jimmy_J_Nelson

Andrew: Growing up, when did you start getting into the game of baseball?

Jimmy: I started when I was 4, but started getting really serious when I was a freshmen/sophomore in high school.

Andrew: Name an athlete that stands out to you as someone who inspired you to become an athlete yourself.

Jimmy: I've always liked Roger Clemens because of his work ethic and demeanor on the mound.  I admire his competitiveness.

Andrew: What were your favorite sports teams growing up?

Jimmy: The Braves since they were the closest MLB team.  I never really got into the NBA or NFL.

Andrew: If you had an opportunity to play with or against one baseball player that has either retired from the game or passed away, who would it be?

Jimmy: Probably the Yankee sluggers like Ruth and Gehrig.  It would be neat to face players from that era.

Andrew: Who is the best pitcher in baseball today, in your opinion, and why? 

Jimmy: Roy Halladay because of his consistency.  He always gives his team a chance to win.

Andrew: If it wasn't for your successes in sports, what would be your ideal career outside of baseball?

Jimmy: Well I would still like to stay in the game somehow whether that's being a pitching coach or something but outside the game of baseball I would stay in the field dealing with kinesiology which is what I was studying at the University of Alabama.

Andrew: If it weren't for baseball, what other sport do you think you would play professionally if you had the opportunity?

Jimmy: Basketball, I always enjoyed playing when I was growing up but nowadays the NBA players that are 6' 6" are fast and can jump out of the gym; and I can't really do either of those things.

Andrew: As a pitcher, are you more comfortable as a starter or as a relief pitcher? Talk about the different ways to mentally prepare for either position.

Jimmy: I like starting the most but am willing to do either.  Whatever would benefit the team the most.  I like starting and putting in the work in the offseason and between starts.  I feel like as a starter you really have to study the opposing lineups and the way you are going to attack them with what you have, and be able to go through the lineup a few times without being predictable.  As a bullpen guy you have to have all your pitches working right out the gate where as a starter it may take a couple innings to really get the feel of your stuff.  So I respect the guys out of the bullpen that have that ability to turn it on that quick.

Andrew: Let's go back to 2007. You were originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 39th round. What made you make the decision of not signing?

Jimmy: I had a good scholarship with the University of Alabama and it just wasn't a big enough offer for me to pass that up.  And in the end I feel as if it was the best decision I have made and has helped shaped me to who I am today.

Andrew: Jumping to 2010, you were drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round.  Talk about that experience and what it felt like when you were taken in the second round by Milwaukee.

Jimmy: I was extremely happy and relieved.  All the hard work and hours that I put in at Alabama were starting to pay off, however I realized that you can never be content with the good things that are going your way.  So I understood it was just a stepping stone in the right direction and got back to work to try and accomplish my next set of goals at that time.

Andrew: Have you made any trips to Miller Park yet? If so, how did it feel knowing that could be you one day on there on the field?

Jimmy: Yea I played there in the Rising Stars game and a game during the regular season in Appleton Wisconsin.  Both were great experiences and give you something to look forward to when you get there.  It was also good to be able to interact with the great fan base that the Brewers have.

Andrew: In your opinion, who is the greatest baseball player of all time?

Jimmy: I think there is to many to really just name one, and there are many still playing right now that at the end of their careers can be added to that list also.

Andrew: St. Louis Cardinal fans are considered the "intelligent" fans of baseball, and rightfully so. How would you describe Brewer fans in the realm of baseball?

Jimmy: Haha, I would describe the Brewer fans as very dedicated and enthusiastic about their team.  I also haven't really heard any negative talk from fair weathered fans about players.  So all of those attributes are greatly appreciated by us and make them a great fan base.

Andrew: Overall, what are your early perceptions of the Milwaukee Brewers organization?

Jimmy: I believe its a good organization regardless of what the "ranks" are.  I think we have a good way of developing guys through the system and teaching them how to be professionals.

Andrew: Chipotle or Qdoba?

Jimmy: Definitely Chipotle, I think I single handedly kept them in business in College Station this offseason.  We had one about 40 yards from our apartment so we were considered regulars.

Andrew: Steroids in baseball is a serious subject right now. Talk about your feelings about Performance Enhancing Drugs in baseball.

Jimmy: As someone who prides them self on working hard I'm strongly against them and am happy to see the steps that are being taken to filter them out of the game.  

Andrew: Bottom of the 9th, two outs. Runner on third. Who is the last person in baseball today you would not want to pitch to?

Jimmy: Myself haha just kidding. It really wouldn't matter truthfully, I'd trust my defense enough and my pitching ability to pitch to anyone in that situation.

Andrew: What is your main goal you have set for yourself going into spring training and the 2013 season with the Brewers?

Jimmy: To stay healthy the entire season.  I missed a little time last year with some shoulder fatigue/inflammation and have worked very hard this offseason to rest and strengthen my shoulder and my whole body.  You can't achieve any of your other goals you have set when you're on the disabled list.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Milwaukee Bucks Quarter Season Recap

Who are the 2012-2013 Bucks?  They’re cerebral, clutch and potent. 

Not many experts had the Bucks in 2nd place a quarter’s way through the season, and fewer expected an opening night like they had in Boston to kick off the season, trumping the Celtics 99-88.  The next night would really spark the season as Brandon Jennings drained a game winning three pointer at the buzzer after the Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving tied the game with under two seconds on the clock. 


The Walking Dead
Milwaukee radio was buzzing and the team has showed its promise.  The Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis trade has already justified itself as Bogut sits injured on the Golden State bench while Ellis has averaged 19.6 PPG through his first 30 games of the season.  The improvement of Larry Sanders as a defensive beast and the presence of Ekpe Udoh have filled the void of Bogut.  Simply put, the trade is looking like an absolute steal and Ellis leads the team in scoring and lives up to his scouting report as a dynamite transition player and lightning quick guard.  Meanwhile, in Golden State, Andy Bogut sits.  (Though we sincerely wish him the best of luck going forward, a former fan favorite).

Breaking Bad
The scary thing?  Ellis hasn’t even flashed his best looks yet; Ellis has not played up to his career norms from the shooting side.  He’s shot just 22% from 3-point territory, down from his career average of 32%, and he’s been less efficient from the field to date, too (39% in ’12, 46% career).  So where does Ellis go from here?  The Mississippi native needs to learn how to play with Jennings on the court—with efficiency.  Having two similar backcourt players on the court at the same time can sometimes negate the way they play.  Using Monta Ellis’ PER of 16.3 (Player Efficiency Rating statistic, used to measure per-minute production), he has been less “efficient” than his career norm of about 17.  The best is yet to come… 

Fringe
Brandon Jennings, the Bucks fringe All-Star (currently 9th for Eastern backcourt stars), continues to improve each year in the league.  The 23-year old veteran has seen spikes in most all of his efficiency stats (3P%, FT%) and with Ellis at his side, has the ability to dish the ball and get his share of assists (6.1 APG—highest of his career).  Also following his career trend, Jennings has been a fourth quarter force, demanding the ball and putting up strong numbers in the game’s closing minutes.   

Homeland
The Bucks have played solid at home—not incredible, but their 9-7 record will allow them to remain competitive as long as they play .500 on the road (just as they’ve done at 7-7).  Moreover, the Bucks backcourt is the highest scoring backcourt in the NBA, which is pretty impressive with duos like Ginobli and Parker, Kobe and Nash, and Deron Williams and Joe Johnson lighting it up. 

The Americans
Nobody had a tougher start to the season then Erysan Ilyasova, but after Coach Scott Skiles starting using him as the 6th man off the bench, Ilyasova has begun to replicate his breakout 2011-2012 season.   After a pitiful November where he shot under 35% from the field, Ilyasova countered by shooting 46%  since the calendar struck December and has been draining three pointers at a 52% clip.  While he went on an offensive vacation for most of November, his defense has continued to be top notch and its one of Ilyasova’s major assets to his game.  Coming into the season, we were worried that last year was a fluke, aberration for Ilysavoa, but the 25 year old Turkish Tornado has followed up with a great month of basketball and is on the right track to rebound after a disturbing first month.

Modern Family
The Bucks are really starting to come together and learn how to play together.  For the majority of the team, this is their second year together.  Mike Dunleavy and Larry Sanders deserve big ups and credit for much improvement (specifically on the defensive end) in their game this season, and a few masterful performance this season (Dunleavy’s 29 point outburst against the Cavs as the Bucks went to win by 2 in early December / Sanders’ evolution in becoming a one man SWAT team as supported by his league leading 3.0 blocks per game).

The Bucks Outlook: The Bucks have had a very adequate quarter+ to their season as they sit in the no. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference.  They remain one game behind the Chicago Bulls in the conference and while they’ve lost their last two (5-5 in their last 10), the Bucks have a realistic chance to get the no. 5 seed in conference and, if everything goes right, even a shot at the no. 4 seed (just 2 GB the Pacers).

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Sean Mahon (@SMahon2Go)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)