Why Last Night Makes Me Nervous
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 7:49 AM CST
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PrintLosing to Phoenix is nothing new. Shoot, losing is nothing new. But when your leading scorer and franchise cornerstone takes as many shots as there are quarters in an NBA game?
That's new, and I don't like it.
Consider this: Jennings has improved at an incredible rate in terms of willingness to attack the paint and use that space to find a quality shot for himself or a teammate. Last night, he treated the paint like it was lava, and didn't even get close to it.
Scott Skiles said that he was "disconnected" during his post-game remarks. Jennings himself had less to say than he usually does, choosing short answers to the normal media questions. Jeremy over at Bucksketball has a good breakdown.
On his Twitter, Jennings re-tweeted several negative comments, including (I'm paraphrasing) "be more consistent!" and "terrible game!" and "How do you expect to be an all-star like that?" What was most concerning, though, was this:
I'm not a role model, so stop trying make me one..... My life has no rules I do what I want!
Oddly enough, the one who stands to lose the most from this turn of events might be Brandon himself. After going on an absolute tear for the first 18-20 games, Jennings has visibly fallen off, and these rumors of his disinterest and discontent could make the Eastern Conference coaches look past him when they submit their All Star reserve ballots tomorrow night. A big outing against Toronto might help control the damage...but it might be too late.
Simply put, this isn't what I expect out of Brandon Jennings. Not that I have unfair standards for him, but that he's demonstrated himself to be generally affable, focusing on positives and not letting the negativity of losing get to him.
I don't like this, you guys. Brandon never seemed like one to play the role of malcontent. And maybe this is just a one-time thing, and we'll get back the carefree Jennings we all know and love. Maybe I'm being paranoid. Maybe this is a molehill that we're turning into a mountain. Maybe everything will be fine.
Maybe.
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Wow
I don’t know why the format is so terrible. Trying to fix it.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
Hmmm
Jenning could have just been moody and crabby yesterday, maybe he received some bad news earlier in the day or some other reason. Couple reasons I can think of him being upset with this organization are (1) Jackson & Skiles (2) the lack of fan support in the BC (3) Hammond realizing this teams deficiencies and not aggressively trying to improve them or (4) teammate altercation pre-game.
or (5) lack of maturity
That last ‘role model’ tweet I would expect from a 15yo teenager as they slam their bedroom door and cuss out their parents…not a borderline all-star (who admittedly is only 22 or whatever) that is living the NBA dream.
Kinda wonder a bit whether this could be the S-Jax effect…sometimes it takes an (disgruntled) outsider to remind you when you are immersed in something that it isn’t right or good or whatever…like playing on mediocre Bucks teams year after year.
Or as FTD says maybe the guy is just a little depressed or got some personal issues going on…only human after all.
Did Jennings make a conscious effort NOT to shoot that much?
And he just went too far in that direction?
Nah
he got too emotional on twitter after for it not to be something brewing.
According to twitter
Jennings and Jax were out until early this morning partying in Toronto. So, that makes me nervous.
Don't think thats uncommon
All the players party almost every thursday-sunday, especially on the younger players and especially on the road. Kobe, Barnes, Fisher, Kapono were out at Apartment 720 the night before the Lakers-Bucks game. I remember seeing Dirk and Kidd out last year before the Mavs-Bucks at Whiskey Bar.
The fact that he felt the need to mention that he was with Jax at the party somewhat makes me think he’s choosing a side and upset that his friend is being mishandled in Milwaukee.
I dont have a problem with them going out
I know they all do it. Although til 5am on a game day is a bit excessive, imo. But yeah, more the fact that I’m worried Jennings is choosing sides, etc. And the lashing out at people on twitter. I dont want the talented young player i was pinning my hopes on to become a malcontent. Or ugly stuff dividing the team.
I'd guess that Jennings is considering breaking up with the Bucks
Which, if we had a savvy GM well versed in human natures (plural) might just be a speed bump on the road to a better understanding. But since we have John Hammond (who I’m tempted to view as the Suburban PTA Executive of the Year) I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it turn into a tornado of trouble.
I thought Jackson was a litmus test of whether our management was capable of working out good arrangements with strong-minded NBA athletes. Jennings new attitude suggests that litmus test is now extended to two of our significant players.
Losing Kelvin Sampson probably hurt more than we'll know
He had Jennings’ ear, but was able to keep him in line with the coaching staff, led by the notoriously stubborn Skiles.
Now, Cap’n Jack has replaced him as Jennings’ Milwaukee-based confidant. And who knows how that will end up?
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
Losing Kelvin Sampson probably hurt more than we’ll know
Well, a proclaimed semi-insider or two have said that Kohl is disenchanted with Hammond. A new GM might consider Sampson as Coach.
Now, Cap’n Jack has replaced him as Jennings’ Milwaukee-based confidant. And who knows how that will end up?
Might turn out just fine — for Jennings. ;) If our franchise is as bumbling as its been looking lately, getting out might be the best advice for Jennings.
And while I don’t root for terrible things to happen to my franchise, I do recognize that major change (with the chance for turn-around) often starts only with painful happenings.
At least if that's going to happen
And I hope it won’t, his trade value has probably never been higher.
"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
Yeah, If Jennings is going to be a crybaby I could not care less if he goes... I dont want to root for a bitch anyways
by Superelkman on Feb 8, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, because God forbid the only chance at a franchise player we've had in years should be happy about his situation
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
He shouldn't be, but he should also know that chucking up a performance like he did Tuesday will not help him at all.
I don’t get why, after a summer of “working so hard, shots every day, etc…” it would even occur to him to do that.
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 9:18 AM CST up reply actions
Solution
Jackson stays, Jennings stays, Skiles goes, Sampson returns!
Mayhaps that is the only way
but I think Hammond is going to become a casualty of this whole scenario at some point. He hasn’t brought in enough impact talent, relying on the lucky Brandon Jennings pickup and a few savvy under-the-radar moves that were under-the-radar for a reason.
Mike Dunleavy was a steal, but what is he going to do for us, really?
Jennings, however, is a budding star, and risking his status on this team would also risk the status of the team in this city long-term.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions
Like...
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
I agree
I was typing a book earlier about it, and deleted it because it was just too long winded, but plain and simple, Hammond has done well imo. I’d challenge someone to find a guy who’s drafted better without a top 5 pick over the last 4 drafts.
Drafted Better?!
Joe Alexander, Darrington Hobson, Jerome Jordan, Tiny Gallon…and we traded Jodie Meeks for no one who is currently on the roster. Savvy.
At least he wasn't responsible for Yi.
And Joe Alexander just feels like he was a Larry Harris pick.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
i wondered if the "true PG" stuff
And playing against nash was the issue but i can’t believe that would be it. Did he also say he didn’t have his shot? how would he know he didn’t try. I hope he’s not pulling a Vince carter.
"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
Yeah, that was BS.
The first legitimate shot he took was a three, and he drained it. “Couldn’t find my shot,” ooooookaaaayyyy?
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
Fire Skiles
Hand down I’m 100% sure of it now, good coach or not, he’s got too many personality issues. He might know his defense, but he doesn’t know how to manage people. He’s the boss that gets the company good results, but every single employee wants to rip their boss’s head off.
except at this company,
if the employees don’t like the boss, they know that if they act out enough, they can get a new one.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 1:11 PM CST up reply actions
Not completely true
Prior to coming to Milwaukee…Did Maggette lack talent? Did Jackson lack talent?
These are players who have never been benched before, they’ve played for numerous coaches and numerous teams, never heard of them being benched. Suspended yes, benched no. In other words, I see somebody who can coach up bad players and coach down good players.
Haven't reached a conclusion on Skiles
But, not that it matters, he’s on probation with me. He seems a strict teacher, no emotional connection type of coach – over-interested in laying down rules and seeing that the players follow them.
That works in Hollywood movies and small Midwestern towns, but the NBA is neither of those. I MUCH prefer a coach who treats each player as an individual and builds a team with positive bonds. A coach who understands and can work with a wide variety of people, and will use a savvy combo of respect and toughness.
Skiles may have more of those attributes than I realize. But the turmoil surrounding and issuing from the team suggests not.
Complicating factor: which of the Disciples said “the sins of the GM are vested on the coach”?
by unklchuk on Feb 8, 2012 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Reading your comments, I think you just hate the dude.
And you’re totally justified in thinking that. I almost do, too. But in the back of my mind I know that there is NO WAY we beat the Heat twice if not for his coaching. Also, the PHX announcers were saying that during the lockout Skiles and BJ were working out together. I’d say that’s a positive, and BJ’s performance this year (prior to the PHX debacle) seems to have improved because of it.
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 9:25 AM CST up reply actions
Remember this about Skiles?
Scott Skiles More Than A Tough Guy
Some good quotes from former players in there.
Yester-year
I expect to hear this type of stuff after a winning season. I would also expect to hear differently if I asked ppl last year.
The most recent praise I heard was from Darrington Hobson who after beating the Heat in Milwaukee said “skiles is a genius” however, Darrington is no longer with the team and would probably have something else to say today. Of course we won’t get that quote.
Totally agree...
But i do think it’s an interesting and relevant post given a lot of discussion going on about the quality of Skiles as a coach here on this board. You always hear people commenting on how Skiles teams will always play hard, but clearly that hasn’t been the case with the team for a good part of this season, particularly lately.
I do also remember a lot of analysts and maybe even (former) players talking about how Skiles personality usually has a 3-year shelf life with NBA teams.
by nkt on Feb 8, 2012 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
If this continues into todays game then theres something up, which needs to be addressed. It should be pointed out to jennings that jackson didnt really do much with his time in the first dozen games he started & he shot below 40%, racked up Ts & suspensions. Hell leuer played better but also like jack hes been benched for unknown reasons(to us fans).
If its a problem with skiles then I could understand since his subs at times make no sense. But more so I hope he sees that this team doesnt have enough talent & should do something, either by tanking or trading.
I'm a little worried ...
With Jennings attitude last night after the game in the post game interviews and also what he wrote on twitter.
Very un Jennings like. And to do what he did last night (sending a msg) worst timing ever as he is more than likely be an all-star by the end of the week.
Who the hell is BJ to quote Charles Barkley in reference to himself???
There’s a BIG difference between “all-star” and “franchise” player [see: michael redd] – right now BJ is a fringe all-star IMO – and by no means a franchise player… maybe someday but not yet.
Yeah, but
(the #1 phrase for Bucks fans)
He’s the closest thing this team has to a franchise player. Sad, isn’t it?
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 8, 2012 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
WTF?
I can guarantee what the problem is.
Jennings looks up to Jackson.
Jackson is inevitably on his way out at some point.
Jackson is wrecking havoc.
Jennings feels torn.
Brandon has made it no secret that he loves Milwaukee. He’s 21 year’s old people. At times he has been a head case, but in the midst of those tweets last night, he admitted to being WITH Stephen Jackson.
Jackson’s attitude right now is clear in showing how inept Hammond is at this point. His franchise is wreckage floating in shallow water. The only saving grace he has is Jennings.
It would only make sense for you idiots to run him off.
It baffles me that Hammond still has a job.
Things keep compounding for him. For every decent move he makes, he makes 2 terrible moves. He clearly forgot to read the How to Build An NBA Franchise for Dummies book.
Every successful GM in NBA history would laugh at the money he gave Salmons, the trade for Maggette, and the trade for Jackson. He looks like Isiah Thomas at this point.
He looks like Obama, dishing out Bail Outs for every bad GM in the league.
Look at this Gooden contract.
and this Beno Udrih contract.
LOL. and Stephen Jackson. The Stephen Jackson deal was so bad, that pundits are trying to be optimistic about getting back Shaun Livingston. Is this a joke? If you wanted Shaun Livingston, offer Jon Brockman and a second round pick. Give me a break.
Jackson is shooting less than 40%, 30% from range, and has a 4:1 Point to Turnover ratio. And he’s bitching!?
If he’s not traded or amnestied by the deadline, Hammond should lose his head, not just his job.
Technically, Udrih was a part of the Jackson trade
so the contract wasn’t really his fault.
And Shaun Livingston had proven himself as a valuable rotation player. Brockman + a 2nd wouldn’t have gotten it done.
Jackson was a gamble on a team that needed one. Worst case scenario? What we’re seeing right now. Hammond did a great job erasing Larry Harris’ mistakes. Now let’s see how he finishes cleaning up after himself before we condemn him to the guillotine.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 9:18 PM CST up reply actions
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