Magic 93, Bucks 90: Third Time Not Charming
by Alex Boeder on Feb 20, 2012 11:07 PM CST
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MILWAUKEE -- One year to the day after the Bucks assigned Larry Sanders to the D-League, he found the ball in his hands with four seconds remaining in the best game of his season -- some would say of his NBA career.
Trouble is, the Bucks were down by three points, and Sanders was moving toward the basket. And Sanders was moving toward the basket, but not confidently, and he missed the layup. The question this season has often been whether or not the team can even get a shot off with the clock winding down, but as the play-by-play tells it, the Bucks managed to attempt four shots in the final four seconds. Yet they were all worth a maximum of two points, all while the team was down by three -- and they all missed.
And so another missed opportunity.
For the third time in the last 10 days, the Bucks held a fourth quarter lead against the Magic, and for the third time in the last 10 days, the Bucks lost a fourth quarter lead to the Magic. And the third time was no more charming than the first two. Late game execution agonized again, as that final offensive turn was actually not even as badly botched as the previous one. Down 91-90 with 18 seconds remaining, the Bucks turned the ball over just six seconds into a disjointed possession in which Ersan Ilyasova pump-faked and passed and Brandon Jennings could not recover the ball.
It hurts to write all of that and recount all of that to you, because Sanders and Ilyasova and Jennings all played well tonight. It hurts when the Bucks lose like this. But it is also reassuring that it still hurts when the Bucks lose like this, because that means I am not numb to the losing -- I still don't always readily accept it, even as I readily expect it.
Three Bucks
But he also gamely guarded the best center in the world, helping hold Dwight Howard to 28 points and 16 rebounds, and I am sincere in that as praise. Sanders was excellent on the glass, notably grabbing a big offensive rebound with the Bucks up 86-82. He drew a charge on Howard in the fourth quarter, and consistently worked defensively. This was also a fine offensive evening for Sanders, and he even converted a nice layup on a pass from Brandon Jennings to give the Bucks an 88-87 lead.
13 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals.
Ersan Ilyasova. Seems like one of those rare times to mention an individual game +/-, as the Bucks outscored the Magic by nine points with Ilyasova on the court. This feels pretty substantial, particularly when Ilyasova played 40 minutes, as he continues to give Scott Skiles no reason to sub.
Aside from missing all four of his three-pointers -- which admittedly did not help -- it was another very fine game. The encore to his 29/25 masterpiece was a more modest 15/15, but Ersan did not turn the ball over all night and played strong defensively again.
15 points on 6-15 shooting, 15 rebounds (9 offensive), 0 turnovers.
Brandon Jennings. A snappy start, with 10 points in the first quarter. Too many step-back, long two-point jumpers for my taste, but they were falling at a reasonable rate, and he even hit for a nice four-point play. Gave the team a chance with a nice fourth quarter, and it looked for a fleeting moment that he could go out as the hero of the game when he scooped in a teardrop floater to give Milwaukee a 90-88 lead.
22 points on 9-19 FG, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers.
Three Numbers
22. Ersan Ilyasova has 22 offensive rebounds in the last two days.
0. Stephen Jackson did not play.
8. Carlos Delfino seems like a very good passer some nights. Tonight was one of those nights. He senses timing and angles on fast breaks, and generally seems to pass best out of the halfcourt. As the best playmaker in the game for either team, Delfino tied a career-high with eight assists.
Three Good
Like Mike. Mike Dunleavy did not make Three Bucks, but he was nice, with 18 points and 2-4 three-pointers in 36 minutes off the bench.
Close. There are few things better in life than a close NBA game.
The result was bad, but the game featured 14 ties and was competitive throughout. And competitive games are a good way keep things interesting during a season in which you don't know how good or bad to feel about winning or losing anyway.
Back Up Front Line. Jon Leuer scored the first six points of the game for Milwaukee. Ersan Ilyasova stayed on a rebounding roll. Larry Sanders came through with the best night of his season. With Andrew Bogut and Drew Gooden out, all of that depth is keeping the Bucks in games.
Three Bad
MKEEK. The Bucks have lost six straight at home, and without looking at the numbers, good teams don't lose six straight at home.
No J-Rich, No Matter. Jason Richardson was shooting left-handed threes before the game as I was walking around the Bradley Center, so I had to photograph that. But Jason Richardson was not shooting right-handed threes during the game as I was watching at the Bradley Center, so the Bucks had to take advantage of that.
The player who scored 28 second half points about a week ago in Milwaukee was not active tonight, so instead the Bucks gave up a late three to Ryan Anderson to lose. And that is just the problem -- the Bucks continue to find ways to lose. They have not really stolen many wins, but the wins they have given away are mounting, and quickly.
Livingst-off. Shaun Livingston is shooting 2-16 in the last two games.
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Sort of sad to see that Jennings appears to be taking fan criticism to heart rather than trying to use it as motivation
His twitter after these types of games is eye opening in a way.
Grillax people
Some of the more enjoyable ball I've watched in a while.
Liked the 2nd half offense with many getting assists except for Jennings. Carlos with 8 assists. Dunleavy active and smart. Ersan. Sanders. Some Leuer. Glad Jennings decided to try and win the game toward the end. (Glad he wasn’t paralyzed with immature angst.) Wasn’t surprised that he was only half successful. Wasn’t surprised we didn’t have the slightest clue at the end.
Would have liked seeing a win – if it showed we could do something clutch at the end. Was relieved at the loss, since I worry that Kohl/Hammond are just waiting for a couple wins that they can hang a Win Now trade on.
I applauded Sanders and the PT he got. Thought Skiles PG press conference was lame. He wasn’t fond of Leuer’s play, though why he chose to tell the world seemed an indulgence.
The short season isn’t even half over, and already it seems to stretch out for a long way… Through a pretty-much featureless landscape. They’ll be more games with enjoyable parts. I’ll concentrate on them. And wait. For the coming unknown.
Having Brandon Jennings on Your Team Is Like Being in an Unhealthy Relationship
This is a marriage that feels doomed to fail. Milwaukee is a fanbase that since the departure of Ray Allen has been desperate for a star. Our unappealing location and small market status means that our only chance to land an impact superstar is through the draft. However, our drafts have been hit or miss, so we’ve been forced to cling to the closest things to superstars that we have in Bogut and Jennings. Neither is the payer we want them to be, but at least Bogut doesn’t mind the weather and enjoys the low profile. Brandon Jennings is anything but low profile.
Brandon thinks he can do better, but he’s committed to this relationship contractually, so he feels that any effort he gives is icing. He blames the town for the fact that he didn’t make an All Star game (that he shouldn’t have made), because he knows that if he was a Knick, he would be in Orlando. We as a fanbase don’t need to go through the motions for the next three years. If this is the message that BJ is explicitly sending, that he wants out, I would be happy to oblige him. He isn’t a real superstar anyways.
You contend that Jennings hasn't embraced Milwaukee?
I contend that he has, and that he’s bothered not by where he is, but by who he’s working for. He’s in his third year, working for the same coach who’s been preaching the same principles over and over, and those principles have amounted to…what, exactly? Not just in Milwaukee, but throughout his career.
Jennings wants a system that is at least more friendly to his skills, and Skiles would never compromise his precious system. Jennings wants players that would fit in well with him on the court, and Hammond, while he has succeeded with the back court (Ridnour, Livingston, Dunleavy, Delfino), hasn’t found much with the back court (Sanders, Gooden, Brockman) and has made several expensive mis-steps (Salmons, Maggette, Jackson).
Bogut and Ilyasova were holdovers from before anyone’s time, and while Ersan has turned it up lately (who, by the way, actually went on the record and said he wanted to leave Milwaukee), Bogut has not had the consistent impact we need.
And sure, he might not be a “real” superstar, but how do you define that? If you define it as someone who is talented enough to take over games, Brandon Jennings fits that, albeit inconsistently. If you define it as someone whose promise promotes excitement and hope for success, Brandon Jennings fits that. There is no one else on this team who can replace him, and the Bucks don’t necessarily project to find themselves able to pick up someone in the draft.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 21, 2012 7:28 AM CST up reply actions
While you say no one else on this team can replace him, I think I could say everyone else on the team could replace him.
Jennings has a special set of abstract talents, but he rarely does anything particularly special on the floor. If he’s not the one taking 17-20 shots to get 17-20 points, Drew Gooden will do it. If he’s not the one to get 5 assists per night, Beno Udrih will do it. If he’s not the one to get a steal or two, Carlos Delfino will do it. Everything he does on the court can be done (and probably be done better) by other guys on the team. I think that’s fair to say.
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:04 AM CST up reply actions
It is fair to say,
but given the state of basketball in Milwaukee right now, adequate stats only go so far. Nobody on this team can get a stadium (half) full of fans to its feet unless they go on a ridiculous streak.
Yes, he takes a lot of shots, and of late, many of them have been bad ones. No, his passing isn’t what you’d want from your starting PG, regardless of whether or not his assist numbers are impacted by the offensive capabilities of his teammates. He is flawed, far more so than anyone would like from the face of the franchise.
But if you elect to cast him aside, what are you casting him aside for? Bogut? Skiles? The League of Extraordinary Journeymen (my new nickname for 90% of the Bucks’ acquisitions over the past 3 years)? These things don’t work in the NBA if you want championships. And Brandon’s path to get there is far from a sure thing, but why not give it a shot?
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 21, 2012 8:12 AM CST up reply actions
I cannot agree with you more, Mitchell.
And technically, Steve, you can replace Brandon in those ways. But what does this mean for our future? The only way I would support trading Jennings is if this franchise committed to start over. But to presume that we would be “OK” if we jettisoned him and nobody else, is, well, settling for mediocrity – something we have been duped into doing in Milwaukee for far too long.
League of Extraordinary Journeymen
Fantastic. And also accurate—because our journeymen are damn good…for journeymen.
by Frank Madden on Feb 21, 2012 10:16 AM CST up reply actions
The League of Extraordinary Journeymen
Still laughing, well played.
by Redd's Ghost on Feb 21, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
I never said we should jettison Jennings, but there is no need to act like he's untouchable
Jennings doesn’t fit our system. He doesn’t do anything better, more efficiently or get his teammates involved better than other points in this league. He isn’t a leader and his ethic doesn’t appear to be motivational. After years of hard work, he is an adequate starter in a league full of adequate starters. We should shop him while he still has value, which is this year. Every year from now reality sets in and potential drips away, until we are left with empty dreams. Of course we don’t sell him for scrap. We do that with Jackson.
by MadTown Hoops on Feb 21, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
I tend to agree
I thought his “swag” was good for the city and the team but now I’m not so sure that is the case. I wouldn’t trade him for the sake of getting rid of him but would pull the trigger if it meant getting something good(picks/young talent)in return. I wonder if his ceiling is lower than some of us may have thought. He would flourish on a fast paced team with good scorers(80s/90s Nuggets). If the Lakers would do Jennings, Gooden, Jackson for Gasol, Goudelock and a 1st or two, I would jump at it.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
I have vacillated wildly on the whole Jennings thing over the years, but he’s never seemed to fit. Unfortunately, it seems that his performance is market based, if his performances at Madison Square Garden are any indication. I know nothing of Goudelock, but Gasol would be a great player for the Bucks. That first would be a classic Bucks midranger, but it doesn’t seem impossible. Hendcuffing Jennings to our contractual detritus might make a potential trade harder. It’s too bad the Magic have nobody worth getting, because Otis Smith seems like the perfect trade partner.
by MadTown Hoops on Feb 21, 2012 1:14 PM CST up reply actions
Gasol and Bogut at 4/5 works for me
Just need a playmaking PG and some shooters to fill the roster. Goudelock is a guy with a scorer’s knack, a combo guard that doesn’t do much facilitating, would be like a Crawford type off the bench IMO. The Lakers also have Darius Morris who is more of a PG.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
"not numb to the losing"
I wasn’t going to watch this game, because I “knew” the Bucks would lose again. I was going to take my dog to agility class. But I started watching before the class. and the Bucks were playing well, and so int he 2nd quarter I decided to bag the class and watch. I felt compelled.
By the end of the 3rd quarter, I called my son [who has really decided to stop watching the Bucks] to tell him “I know you’re not watching but Larry Sanders is playing well.” He thought I was joking but checked the box score.
I watched the 4th quarter, knowing what was likely to happen, but by 2:46 left I was really hoping we’d win. When Jennings hit that floater, I cheered and believed again and was full of hope.
And then they lost, as I knew they would, but I was believing they could win…
ps
I’m glad I watched, bc except for the last minute, I had a really good time
Context is so important when watching a team lose
Watching the Bucks play competitively because Sanders and Ilyasova are playing hard (and well) is much better than seeing the Bucks play competitively because Jackson is finally having a decent game, or because Gooden is having a good night with his long jumper.
I’m always rooting for the Bucks to win (even if it’s not terribly useful), but realistically I’m more concerned with seeing improvement/consistency from guys like Jennings, Sanders, Leuer and Harris. I don’t expect Skiles to give the youngsters (aside from Brandon) 30 mpg every night, but at this point I don’t think playing them regular minutes is inconsistent with Skiles’ desire to win either.
by Frank Madden on Feb 21, 2012 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Watching Sanders and Leuer last night...
…almost literally gave me the feeling of a fresh breeze blowing in the franchise.
I also enjoyed the Extraordinary Journeymen, including and perhaps especially Carlos Delfino who pulls off his mischief with a certain joie de vivre (sp?). But when it’s only the journeymen, then it feels like a closed sarcophagus. Our youth opens the doors and let in the fresh breeze.
Jane, your hope finds little reward in the present
…but I honestly believe things will change before too much longer. Don’t know what mechanism will be used to make the changes, and I don’t know what direction they will head. But the force propelling change is building and building in this franchise. If management ignores it, it will have broken faith with you and other good fans.
I honestly think they won’t want to break that faith. Maybe I’ll be Fooled Again wrong, but that’s my “bet.”
Blame
Fire the Coach if a team keeps losing in the last 5min of the game that poor coaching. When is Skiles going to get blamed for the some of the Bucks problems. He Did the same thing when he coach the Bulls. Now we got the same problems here he more worried about headbands then the teams 4th period mishaps.
From the Rafe article
Somehow, these dreadful teams had turned it around. The Bucks, at least, seemed to be having some fun on the court. But there was one man who never cracked a smile, and he, of course, was Scott Skiles.
Did you know that Clint Eastwood has an NBA coaching tree? He does. It includes Scott Skiles and no one else. No matter what happens on the court, Skiles reacts with pursed lips and a steely-eyed squint. Like Eastwood’s grim-faced veteran in Gran Torino, he’ll say to Stephen Jackson: “Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn’t have fucked with? That’s me.” But really, he’s just disappointed by the way the world has changed around him and left him and his values behind. He’s got love in his heart for all his players, even Jackson. They just need to abide by Skiles’ code. Ilyasova gets it. Luc Mbah a Moute gets it. Jon Leuer gets it. And that’s how Skiles, wherever he coaches, always ends up with a team like the Bucks — loads of moxie and light on talent.
My second favourite quote in that piece
See below for #1
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
by CanadaBucks on Feb 21, 2012 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Play the Young Players
Frank has it right. Playing our youth meaningful minutes is not inconsistent with trying to win games. It also shows the fans that there is something to look forward to down the road. The ratio of talented young player playing time to journeyman playing time should continue to increase for the remainder of this year. Could it lead to a starting lineup next year of Jennings: new shooting guard: Harris: Ilyasova: Bogut with Leuer: Livingston: Dunleavy, new back-up center: Sanders and Delfino coming off the bench? This would be a young team with some upside that should be challenging for the playoffs in the short-term.
Good writing, good analysis on the Nets/Bucks game of yore
I finally got around to reading (over cereal) Rafe Bartholomew’s piece on his taking in the recent game.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7594978/a-fate-worse-death-milwaukee-bucks-new-jersey-nets
It’s probably been linked here before, but it’s so good I don’t care. Thought of quoting some of the nuggets but there are too many. It’s the kind of analysis and kinds of humor that somehow makes bad things easier to bear.
Hilarious
Thanks for the tip…and the stomach ache from laughing so hard.
And then there are just the lost causes like Brandon Jennings and MarShon Brooks, who run around really fast, appear out of nowhere to steal the ball, go on a hot streak of four incredible shots, and generally appear to have no clue when or what they should do to win basketball games. They’ve got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they’re John Salmons
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
by CanadaBucks on Feb 21, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Speaking of good news
I see via twitter on the left side of the page that Gooden is getting a second opinion on his wrist, that it good news for Leuer, Sanders and maybe our draft position.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Regardless if your a fan of Jennings or not, do you really think he's going to sign an extension in Milw?
Me thinks not…
Depends
Does he want max $?
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
He will if we pay him
But therein lies the rub.
by Frank Madden on Feb 21, 2012 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
Well Frank I'm convinced we need to move him now
So idc if he would sign anyway.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
I hope he can pull things together for the rest of the season
Because I doubt the Bucks move him in-season…they’ve been loathe to do much in-season over the past years anyway, and I think in general it’s easier to move a young player closer to the draft when you have picks in play (ie teams know when they’re picking and who they could get in the draft).
But yeah, I felt like he should have been in play last summer and I don’t think what we’ve seen so far this season changes that. He’s the best we have right now but he’s not a transcendent, once-in-a-decade/lifetime kind of guy. Let’s just hope he plays well enough to maintain good value for the rest of this season.
by Frank Madden on Feb 21, 2012 5:55 PM CST up reply actions
I'll submit my resume to become the next GM.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 6:00 PM CST up reply actions
Talk to me about Arnett Moultrie
Since you talked me out of Sully
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
Have you seen Sully this year...not special to me.
Not sure if he has done anything to change your mind, but I just don’t see him making a big impact.
The other guy you speak of is not on my radar yet. My radar is small right now.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 6:23 PM CST up reply actions
Here's what Chad Ford has to say, if that means anything to you.
Projection Late-First Round Pick
Positives
Long, athletic big man
Explosive leaper
Runs the floor well
Unusually quick for a big man
Can play both inside and outside
Good rebounder, especially on the offensive end
Negatives
Spends too much time on the perimeter
Needs to add strength
Poor free throw shooter
Notes
Transferred from UTEP to Mississippi State. Had to sit out the 2010-11 college season because of NCAA transfer rules.
Moultrie declared for the 2010 NBA Draft but withdrew.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not sold on Moultrie
I like Robinson and Sullinger better – but at this point, I’d like Milw to take the BPA.
Thanks
As I mentioned before i would like to see a PF with an inside game here and checking out the options.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
I'm just saying what I'd like to see, not what the Bucks see as need
Ersan is gone I think and imo sanders is Harvey Catchings v2.0, a useful role player but not a starter.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
I hear ya, my friend.
I’d also love to see a legit PF w/ a post game, but they seem to be a dying breed [sadly]
[Kevin McHale has to be one of the most un-athletic players in NBA history, yet his post moves were unstoppable.]
I’d be happy w/ Sullinger, however, I don’t see him having a very high “ceiling” – but feel he’ll be a solid starter, just not a star. He does seem to have a high BB IQ – which I love….
A front court of Bogut, Harris, and Sullinger is intriguing…
This is an odd draft class...
Supposedly very deep – but not one “can’t miss” type guy. They all have flaws/holes in their game.
I actually think Barnes will be the best of the bunch – just not a HOFer, like he was billed coming into UNC.
With the lack of practice time this year, I think a lot of teams will hesitate to make in season moves.
It is easier to trade in the off season when teams aren’t restricted by their roster numbers.
by Brick's house on Feb 21, 2012 6:03 PM CST up reply actions
You are probably right with him
Because a lot depends on DWill and where he goes and which team that doesn’t get him needs a PG
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
Just like Jennings is treating this like a business
I feel we should look at him as a piece of business as well, like a stock cert. I feel like we got him at $5, last year he was around $7.50 and now he’s getting close to $10. So the gamble is:
1. Does his value keep going up?
2. Value stays relatively the same?
3. Value goes down?
Sell now you win if 2 and 3 happen, lose if it’s #1. My crystal ball isout of order but my gut says #2 is most likely.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
this comic analogy...
…may or may not fly.
Jennings’ grasp on PGing is like Brockman having received a pass under the basket. He knows the moment is his to do something special but he struggles to understand just what.
by unklchuk on Feb 21, 2012 4:24 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
His stock peaked at the Miami game at $12.50, but since then has dropped by a good 10%.
Some major hedge funds (team GMs) dropped their shares and it is only the retail investors (fans) holding his stock up now.
by Brick's house on Feb 21, 2012 6:05 PM CST up reply actions
BJ strikes me as the kind of guy that wants the bright lights/big city.
He also strikes me as the kind of guy that has an undeserved sense of entitlement and accomplishment.
He rubbed me the wrong way when he bashed Rubio and Ridnour – and decided that he wouldn’t go to the NBA draft nite unless he was a guaranteed lottery pick.
He seems to be a nice enough kid – but my money says he’s outta here when his contract is up – and I pray the Bucks don’t offer him a max deal…
And all this "small market" crap is jive...
Think the Pacers and Jazz in the 90’s – Sacramento early 2000’s.
Great teams w/ great players that didn’t seemed overly concerned w/ playing in a smaller city. [and Malone, C Webb, and R Miller were epic divas, too]
I get star players maximize their “brand” in larger markets – but that really only applies to the ELITE players IMO
K Durant seems to be doing just fine in OKC
LOL. You're the best, Steve!
And leur cant not score for defence eether
u must like skyles cuz he dont coech defence
Ewwwww
Uni-brow
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
Davis is going to go (or SHOULD go) #1 when he comes out.
Maybe some good lottery ball bounces could help out the Bucks.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
For me this is a good draft because there is depth
At PF and SG which I think most would agree are pressing needs depending on what happens to BJ, and even if BJ is gone Beno can play the point for a year.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
FWIW - Barnes is the only one I see with a shot to be special, though.
- Davis is scarily thin and still raw offensively
- Drummond is very inconsistent and seems to lack the “it” factor to truly utilize his physical gifts.
- Sullinger is undersized and not super athletic
- T Robinson is also fairly inconsistent [but a close 2nd behind Barnes IMO]
But there’s a bunch of guys that will probably be excellent pros – probably some all stars – but I just don’t see an MVP-type in this class [outside of Barnes, possibly]
I think Davis will be special. His defensive ability is already insane.
You guys know I love D though. Bogut’s still my guy, but Davis is going to be awesome.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:17 PM CST up reply actions
I think his D will be special and he seems to have a great attitude/work ethic
But his slenderness is what scares me.
When post players are that skinny, they need to have moves/post-savvy – and he seems to have little-to-none [i know he’s still young, though]
I see him as a Mutumbo type dude. Definitely DPOY type talent.
Davis will struggle to be 15 PPG player tho
Ben Wallace and Marcus Camby aren’t exactly “special”
Defense?
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:23 PM CST up reply actions
Calipari always endorses his players
He said Kanter should go #1 last year, he said Kidd-Christ reminds him of D-Rose so Calipari saying something to me is just in a days work.
Well I'd rather have elite swing on one or the other end rather than a balance of less intense skills or talents.
Give me a guy who plays half the game at a top 5 in the world level and the rest can be built out of other players for balance.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
And I still think Davis has a lot to offer on offense.
Might be wrong on that though, it’s just pure projection at this point.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:34 PM CST up reply actions
I agree - and I give him a very steep learning curve on offense
Didn’t he grow like 8 inches one Summer?
When you spend your life playing PF, then you wake up one day at 6’10, it’s gonna take a while…
Barnes
easily could be regarded as a top wing defender and clearly a major offensive threat. The kind of guy who can win MVP. In the NBA guys who get MVPs contend for titles for long periods of time.
I hear the media now
but I’m convinced Barnes will go #1 overall this year when its all said and done. If not, I will be the peer pressure to not blow the pick that lands Davis #1 overall.
The Bucks would have a hell of decision if they get the 2nd or 3rd pick
crossing fingers
I’d personally take Barnes over Drummond, TR, Sullinger, and anyone else in a heartbeat.
I'll take an MVP type guy.
I’m a Barnes fan too, but all of this is sadly fantasy land for my Bucks fan side.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:40 PM CST up reply actions
That's why I was asking about Moultrie
Seems like someone that could be on the board when the Bucks pick
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
All this draft talk begs the question....
If the Bucks draft slot falls between 5 – 10, do they package their pick and a player to move up? And who?
I got a feeling we’ll be discussing that very scenario often in the next few months…
And maybe ...just maybe
Matabute’s brother declares
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
I think his name is George Matabute.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 21, 2012 10:33 PM CST up reply actions
A guy like Perry Jones III might fall to the Bucks.
I’d take a shot on him, I guess.
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:14 PM CST up reply actions
I gotta disagree, Steve
I wouldn’t touch him in the lottery.
His size and athleticism is off the charts – but he seems completely lost a lot of the time, especially considering how dominant he could/should be.
I vehemently disagree on this one, but it's going to be a while until we find out anyways.
Put me down in the “I think he’s going to be a monster” category :)
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by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:21 PM CST up reply actions
You're on, my friend.
It also scares me that he hasn’t improved from last yr. At all.
But we’ll see ; )
Agree about Jones
I’d have to put him in the top 5 based on potential. I’m not one for safe picks, unless that safety comes with extremely high potential. I’d pick Jones long before I took a safe bet like Sullinger.
Easy on the uni-brow, CB. Some of us are cursed like that.
But thankfully, I started shaving mine before college.
Davis, on the other hand… yikes!
Just saying I think he should investigate some sort of treatment
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
Another great jax quote
It’s tough not being out there and not being able to contribute
Well jax It’s tough for us when you are out there, and not able to contribute.
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
by CanadaBucks on Feb 21, 2012 8:14 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
He's just in his own world. It's great.
His self-evaluations continue to lose credibility with each new thing he says.
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 21, 2012 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
I read the one about not tweeting him
Unless you make 9m+ a year or have 500 followers or something. I’d like to tweet him with just 4 simple letters….STFU
They've got just enough talent and skill that teams will keep signing them and hoping they put the pieces together, until all of a sudden eight years have passed and they're John Salmons.
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