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’08-’09 Bucks outlook
New faces bring optimism
By Steve Manske
The Bucks’ new coach, Scott Skiles, will bring to the team exactly what they need – a defense-minded mentality.
After a painful 26-win season a year ago the Milwaukee Bucks look to bounce back big time with a cast of new players, a new coach and a new general manager to point them in the right direction.
New general manager John Hammond was definitely an initial upgrade. Hammond had plenty of success as an assistant to Joe Dumars in Detroit. The Pistons were a dominant team that played in the Eastern Conference Finals for several years in a row. Hammonds has the ability to bring in players that fit into the scheme of the coach.
The Bucks’ new head coach, Scott Skiles, will bring to the team exactly what they need – a defense-minded mentality. The Bucks have struggled for many years with their lack of a good, solid defense that involves rebounding and limiting easy shots by the opponent.
Under Hammond and Skiles the Bucks have added some defense-minded players in Richard Jefferson and Malik Allen. Trading Yi Jianlian and requiring Jefferson was a crucial move for the Bucks this offseason that should result in a better front court.
The trade allows the Bucks to add a player in Jefferson who can play hard nose defense and can create turnovers that will lead to easy baskets. This is an all-star caliber player that plays both sides of the court well. The trade will also allow Charlie Villanueva to feel more comfortable at the power forward position this season.
The Bucks had plenty of scorers, so trading Mo Williams to get a true point guard in Luke Ridnour was what the Bucks needed. The Bucks need a guy who is always thinking to pass first, and Ridnour provides that ability.
The draft picks of Joe Alexander and Luc Mbah a Moute will also help this team. Alexander is a very athletic player that can score in bunches and his firepower will be dangerous off the bench. Mbah a Moute is another one of those players who will bring aggressiveness to the defensive side of the floor. He can rebound the ball and get in the players’ face on offense and create turnovers.
The Bucks have a solid starting lineup this year with Andrew Bogut at center. The forwards will be Charlie Villanueva and Richard Jefferson. In the backcourt they’ll have point guard Luke Ridnour and shooting guard Michael Redd.
The Bucks had a successful off-season and now they hope that the leadership of Skiles can help gel the team quickly, resulting in a playoff-berth.
> Comments
Uko Etim on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:01 AM:
wow i like your optimism, but the draft picks are terrible. Alexander has got to be one of the softest players in the NBA, and yes I am aware that Dirk Nowitzki is still playing. Luke Ridnour can barely dribble and Ramon Sessions is even worse. The only good off-season acquisition outside of Jefferson, was Tyron Lue, and sooner than later he will be inserted into the starting line-up. If Redd and RJ stay healthy this is a 35 win team at best.