Monday Morning Media Roundup: April 24th, 2017

It was just a week ago today that we gathered around to hear me predict that this series was going to be heading back to Canada tied 2-2. Yes, my predictive abilities are indeed spooky, but don’t let that scare you away from this week’s roundup. Even in the midst of natural nervousness after a poor showing in Game 4 by the Milwaukee Bucks, there is undoubtedly an air of positive feelings surrounding the franchise, the city, and the fans.

And so, today’s roundup is dedicated to just that theme: The Good Vibes™. The ratings are up, the apparel is selling out, and the players are gushing about their love of the city. If anything, hopefully today’s selection will help get you into an equally positive mindset for tonight’s must-win, backs-against-the-wall, do-or-die Game 5 in Toronto. No pressure, Bucks.

Without further ado, let’s roundup!

Milwaukee (The Player’s Tribune)

Yup, that’s right, we’re hitting you with the tear-jerker right out of the gate. Not the sad type of tear-jerker, but a wonderfully written ode to the city of Milwaukee by none other than Jabari Parker.

While his season was cut short thanks to another ACL tear, that hasn’t stopped Jabari from being there for his team on and off the court as the year progressed. Not only has he emerged as a leader on the team, he has become interwoven with the city and people of Milwaukee. I dare you to not feel a glow of pride as Parker describes a few of his first moments in the city days after being drafted.

No one knows what the future will hold for Jabari after this second injury, but only one thing is sure: No, I’m not crying, you’re crying!

Milwaukee Bucks post highest rating ever on FOX Sports Wisconsin (FOX) - Bucks fans still celebrating playoff success (WTMJ)

The rare two-articles-for-one! Nothing in here is super shocking as we’ve all seen the city of Milwaukee readily get behind the team when it shows even a meager sign of life, but getting some numbers sure helps with backing up the general mood in the air.

In short, the Bucks are pulling in viewers and selling merchandise like hotcakes. Whether that translates to an increase in attention beyond the months of April-May in the future remains to be seen, but at least the support is overwhelmingly there at present.

I request you sit through the autoplay video on the WTMJ link: You get some short interviews from fans who are pure Wisconsin, including a gentleman named “Bob Butterbrodt”. Be Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker among rookies making postseason contributions (NBA.com)

A piece spotlighting the continuing growth of Thon Maker’s game right before our eyes. The rough spots are still visible, but the mere fact that the Bucks are getting pretty meaningful minutes out of their 10th pick from this year’s draft is an unbelievable thing in its own right.

This article rightly points out that, if the Bucks upcoming D-League team had already been in place this season, there might have been a good chance Maker never would have gotten the shot at starter’s minutes he received starting in February. How he fits into the roster next year will be an important question, but for now we can continue to revel in the 7’1” big man’s strides so far.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Beyond Numbers (The Ringer)

If you’re a fan of high quality gifs showing the innumerable ways Giannis Antetokounmpo impacts the play of the Milwaukee Bucks, then you’re going to be a fan of this piece. What is really driven home is that, once Giannis even begins to heat up to even a lukewarm status, it forces an opponent to completely shift their defense.

Giannis cuts to the basket? As a defender, you should probably help pack the paint to contest him at the rim, thus leaving your man wide open beyond the arc. You don’t keep an eye on him after he inbounds the ball? There’s a chance he’s fading back into open space for a look at the basket of his own.

There may still be a need for a signature Giannis Game™ for the Bucks to get out of the first round, but even without the gaudy numbers, he’s constantly shifting things in Milwaukee’s favor.

Bucks win tiebreaker, select 17th in upcoming NBA Draft (FOX)

The wins just keep piling up, man. With the Indiana Pacers and Bucks ending the season with identical records, the NBA was forced to resort to ping-pong-madness to determine who would have the honor of picking 17th in the 2017 NBA Draft.

As luck would have it, the odds went in Milwaukee’s favor and they will indeed be at the vaunted 17th spot this year. Notable past Milwaukee 17 picks? Collis Jones (who didn’t play a minute of NBA basketball in Milwaukee), and, of course, Rashad Vaughn. Yay?

Now that my spooky predictive credentials have been fully verified, I’m aware that you’re all on the edge of your seats waiting for what I have on deck this week. The Bucks will be playing this evening in Toronto for Game 5, with Game 6 coming back to Milwaukee Thursday. If a Game 7 is necessary, it’ll be had in Toronto once more on Saturday.

But, in my mind, a Game 7 won’t be necessary. The prophecy must come to fruition at some point, even if Brandon Jennings was off in his prediction by a couple of seasons.

Bucks in 6.

With that, spend your day mentally preparing for the onslaught that will be tonight’s viewing experience. Wear your lucky shirt, stop at the store to pick up something special for dinner, grab some tickets to Game 6 if you haven’t already, and as always:

Happy Monday!