Ranking the roster

by Brick's house on Sep 25, 2009 8:50 PM CDT

Going into the coming season, how would you rank the Bucks roster from 1 to 15 based on importance to the success of the Bucks season?

For an added wrinkle, where would that player stand on the roster of a championship contending team? For example, everyone knows that Redd is a #2 player making #1 money. Some may even argue he would be # 3 on championship caliber team.

This is how I would lay it out, with first number being Bucks ranking and second being the contender ranking, with "D" standing for developmental league. The second number will not include each number up to 15 like the first, showing the quality (or lack thereof) of the team's depth.

1/2 Michael Redd - Redd's scoring and perimeter skills needed for Bucks team that loses Jefferson and Villanuava.

2/3 Andrew Bogut - Bucks struggles on defense last year emphasize Bogut's importance inside.

3/4 Brandon Jennings - If Jennings has a great year, the Bucks playoff chances move up another level, if he doesn't Bucks crowds will be chanting for Sessions all year.

4/6 Hakim Warrick - The high flying Warrick's skills on offense need to be complemented by improved defense and rebounding in order to see those starter's minutes he wants.

5/7 Luc Mbah a Moute - Luc's abilities on defense and as a glue guy will be important in a front court that, well, lacks those qualities.

6/8 Luke Ridnour - If Jennings struggles early on, it will be up to Ridnour to run the offense.

7/9 Carlos Delfino - Delfino's versatility as a swing player, playing both shooting guard and small forward, gives the team a swing option that doesn't involve the 6'3" Bell playing small forward.

8/10 Ersan Ilyasova - Ilyasova's arrival fills the role of poor man's Charlie V., providing perimeter shooting and rebounding.

9/9 Charlie Bell - With the acquisition of Delfino and drafting of Meeks, Bell may move down into the rotation to serve the important role of backcourt stopper.

10/11 Kurt Thomas - He's got a lot of miles on his tread, but Thomas provides post defense and rebounding at power forward and center, with a center role being potentially more important if Bogut can't stay healthy.

11/14D Joe Alexander - The ability of the team's new acquisitions to play multiple positions relieves pressure on Alexander to be a big contributor this season, but being a lottery pick means he has to cut down on mental errors and show some consistency.

12-13/ 12-13 Francisco Elson/ Dan Gadzuric - Elson and Gadzuric are interchangeable in their performance and importance to the team's season.

14D/15D Roko Ukic - Ukic escapes the 15th place because of preseason doubts about Jennings' ability to take on his role as play maker this season.

15D/15D Jodie Meeks - Meeks will move out of the cellar if Redd gets hurt, providing an important perimeter presence.

What do you think? I know this is all relative, but I would like to hear where you think the players would stand on the Bucks or with a contender.

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Comments

The Injured Pseudo-Stars

1/3. Bogut. Anchor of the defense, needs to pick up major slack offensively.

2/3. Redd. Probably not fair to expect more than 18-20 ppg from him, but with the lack of scorers he may need to do even more.

The Next Great Hope

3/4. Jennings. The ultimate x-factor for this year’s team…Bucks have to hope Vegas was a better indicator of his readiness than his European experience.

The Forward Grab Bag

4/6. Ilyasova. He may not even start, but his ability to translate his Euro success into success is the second biggest x-factor for this team IMO. Stretching the defense with his outside shot while providing scrappy defense should make him a better value than Villanueva.

5/6. Mbah a Moute. Like Ilyasova he could be end up being a 6th man, but taking his offensive game up a notch would be a massive boost.

6/6. Warrick. Old enough (27) that we know what we’re getting: mismatch-causing athlete who can get to the line and help the Bucks’ fast break ambitions.

7/7. Delfino. Toss up as to whether he or Mbah a Moute starts, but Delfino becomes even more important if Redd can’t stay healthy.

The Known Quantities

8/8. Ridnour. The backstop in case Jennings isn’t ready for prime time, Ridnour’s nothing to write home about, but his 08/09 season would have been better if not for nagging back injuries and that broken finger.

9/8. Thomas. Finally the Bucks have a post defender not named Bogut…though hopefully he’s not forced into playing tons of minutes.

10/9. Bell. His versatility should allow him to soak up rotation minutes, but I’d prefer to see more of Meeks.

The Youngsters With Something to Prove

11/11. Alexander. Could easily end up in street clothes on many nights if he doesn’t show continued improvement, but he’s still talented enough to be a useful rotation player. It certainly seems like the Bucks’ patience is wearing thin already.

12D/11. Meeks. The Delfino acquisition along with Bell’s presence could limit his opportunities, but he looked great in Vegas and might be the Bucks’ best pure shooter (sorry, Mike). Could get some time in Fort Wayne if he slips down the depth chart, but I’m hoping he surprises this year. Unlike most everyone else near the bottom of the roster, he actually has the potential to contribute positively.

13/12. Ukic looked solid from what I saw at the Eurobasket, but he’s probably a backup at best. Will probably only get burn when Jennings or Ridnour is hurt, and provides some depth in case the Bucks find a way to package Ridnour’s expiring deal for something useful.

Dutch People

14/12. Elson/Gadzuric (tie). Occasionally they’re useful, but mostly just underscore how much the Bucks need Bogut to be healthy. Hopefully Thomas swallows up their minutes.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Sep 26, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions

Meeks channels Dangerfield

I understand that Meeks has not earned any respect yet, but guys, he is the best shooter on the entire team – Most of the other players have never had the explosive scoring games he posted in college/europe in their entire lives and are not capable of it.

He also very quick and his defense is solid – And has a history of usually way outshooting his matchup – It’s all about the combined offensive/defensive efficiency. I see Meeks proving himself and getting a lot of reserve points.

by Bill0202 on Sep 29, 2009 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I’d love to see him get some meaningful minutes this year. Hopefully he can be a guy who comes off the bench and gets his shot going right away. And if he can play defense the way the coaching staff says he can, then there’s no reason he shouldn’t be getting some burn.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Sep 29, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Meeks can come off the bench and get his shot going. In college he was a consistant shooter. The games I saw him play, he was either hot, warm, and occasionally cold for the entire game. Because of his excellent shooting technique he is pretty consistant for the entire time he plays for any particular game. I think this will make it easy to judge quickly whether he should be given extended play on the floor or be called back to the bench. He should contribute points-off-the-bench, he will make the other team defend him instead of doubling up on another Bucks player – which is a big attribute for a reserve player – and that’s what the Bucks need from everyone on their bench to win more games.

by Bill0202 on Sep 30, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions