Brew Hoop - Bucks media day 2015: Live updates and highlightsMilwaukee Bucks News and Analysis Since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47773/brewhoop_fave.png2015-09-29T22:53:49-05:00http://www.brewhoop.com/rss/stream/91714102015-09-29T22:53:49-05:002015-09-29T22:53:49-05:00Giannis on shooting mechanics, playoff experience
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<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It's not common that an NBA player experiences his third media day before he can legally buy beer. Then again, Giannis Antetokounmpo is anything but common.</p>
<p>Two years after landing in America as a wide-eyed 18-year-old, the Greek Freak was in his element at Bucks media day on Monday. He started his Q&A with a typical Giannis joke -- "You guys take it easy on me, because two months now I spent in Greece and I forgot how to speak English" -- and then breezed through a series of questions about his tweaked shooting mechanics, his experience representing Greece at the EuroBasket and the value of last spring's playoff experience. You get the feeling that he's well aware of the rising expectations for both himself and the team, though at the end of the day it's still the same old Giannis.</p>
<p>As for expectations of his art skills...well, he's still got plenty of work to do there:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="http://t.co/a9p6F43K3d">pic.twitter.com/a9p6F43K3d</a></p>
— Jon Hartzell (@hartzellNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/hartzellNBA/status/648609616801202176">September 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Here's the remainder of his Q&A:</p>
<p><b>On his Eurobasket experience:</b></p>
<p>"It helped me a lot and it was a great experience. I'm really happy that I was able to represent Greece in the Euro Championship. I learned a lot and by playing seven games in ten nights, it helped me a lot and helped me improve my game."</p>
<p><b>On his disappointment on losing to Spain:</b></p>
<p>"A little bit disappointed because I thought we were better than Spain and I don't know what happened that night. What can I say. It's the game of basketball. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you don't. But congratulations to Spain. It feels a lot better to know that you lost from the best team in the tournament at least."</p>
<p><b>Are you seven foot yet?</b></p>
<p>"Nahhhh, I think I'm 6'11". Sorry, guys."</p>
<p><b>Did Eurobasket help you get a little more comfortable offensively?</b></p>
<p>"For sure, I feel a bit more comfortable. As I said before, that experience helped me a lot. The tournament finished a week ago, so that gets me more ready for training camp."</p>
<p><b>Who are you looking forward to playing?</b></p>
<p>"I don't have someone that I'm excited to play. I'm just excited to play with <span>Greg Monroe</span> and Jabari and all the guys we've brought in."</p>
<p><b>On what he's added this offseason:</b></p>
<p>"A lot of little things. In the post, with my shot. I tried to improve the technique on my shot. Shoot the ball a little bit higher. When I take the ball, keep it a little higher. Shoot faster. And my body, I didn't try to specifically get bigger, just stronger. Hopefully, all of this will help me get better this season."</p>
<p><b>Will Jason Kidd let him shoot threes this season?</b></p>
<p>"Pretty much, I think yeah. I think he's going to allow to shoot threes this year."</p>
<p><b>What can that do for your game this year?</b></p>
<p>"I think it'll take my game to the next level by bringing defensive guys so far out there. It should allow me to drive the lane and not just score it, but create for other guys. Try to make my team better. Try to move the ball."</p>
<p><b>On how he can improve defensively:</b></p>
<p>"From year one to year two, I improved a lot on the defensive end because I knew where to be and I knew what spot to be on the floor. So, now that I know that, we're going to have the same stuff and I already know the stuff, I just try to improve and try to be better on the defensive end."</p>
<p><b>Are you frustrated that you can't play in the opener because of what happened in that <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> series:</b></p>
<p>"I don't think I'm frustrated. Sure, I wanted to play in the home opener for the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bucks</a> fans in the first game. It might be hard for me to miss it, but what can I say. I have to live with my mistakes. I think not playing in the game is good for me to learn from my mistake. I can punish myself a little bit."</p>
<p><b>How is this group going to be different? Will the team be even better and more explosive?</b></p>
<p>"Hopefully. For sure, we're going to be a lot better. The expectations are really high. By practicing hard and competing as hard as possible, we're going to do great. Having Greg Monroe and <span>Michael Carter-Williams</span> being here from day one this season, it should push our team up another level."</p>
<p><b>Were those two playoff wins big for this franchise?</b></p>
<p>"For sure. It was big. It was really big. For us, the young guys, most of us hadn't been in the playoffs. It helps a lot in the experience of being there. Hopefully, we're going to practice now in training camp and in the season try to improve our mistakes and try to get better everyday. Then, get to that stage again, try to correct our mistakes, and win a series and go further."</p>
<p><b>Is that a realistic goal?</b></p>
<p>"Yeah. For sure, it's a realistic goal."</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/29/9411991/giannis-antetokounmpo-media-day-three-pointersEric NehmFrank Madden2015-09-29T19:35:08-05:002015-09-29T19:35:08-05:00Media Day: Comments from Bucks Owners
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<p>Before the players got a chance to speak at Media Day, Bucks owners Jamie Dinan, Wes Edens, and Marc Lasry stepped to the podium to discuss the upcoming season.</p> <p>Just eighteen months into their tenure as NBA owners, Marc Lasry, Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan can already claim a laundry list of accomplishments. Most notably, approval of a new downtown arena promises to keep the team in Milwaukee for the long haul, while on the court a promising young core sparked a 26-win turnaround in their first season in the ownership suite.</p>
<p>Those are the bookends of what has amounted to a complete brand makeover over the past year, one that has touched seemingly every aspect of the organization -- from sharp new jerseys on the court to a shiny new office space off it. But for all the good vibrations created by last year's surprising season, the three remain realistic about the challenge of their real goal: bringing an NBA championship back to Milwaukee. They met the media together at the Bucks practice facility on Monday to discuss the franchise's recent success and the long path that remains.</p>
<p><b>On expectations for this season:</b></p>
<p><b>Marc Lasry</b>: Can we get up to Cleveland's level? I sure hope so. When we were here last year, one of the things we talked about was how much better we thought we were going to be and I think we surprised a number of folks. And hopefully we're going to do the same thing this year.</p>
<p><b>Wes Edens</b>: It was a great experience getting into the playoffs and playing a competitive series against the Bulls. That's great, but that's obviously not the objective. We're trying to build a team that can compete to the Eastern Conference Finals and the championship. It doesn't happen overnight. The team is still very young and it will be very interesting to see how they start the year with a bunch of new guys on the team. We think the team is better because they're a year older and it's better because of the people we brought in. We feel like we're a lot better team this year.</p>
<div class="pullquote">We're trying to build a team that can compete to the Eastern Conference Finals and the championship. It doesn't happen overnight. <span>-Wes Edens</span>
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<p><br id="1443571133888"> <b>Jamie Dinan</b>: One of the things that John and Jason really focused on was building a team that really plays well together. We're really viewing this core nucleus as a team we're going to have for many years and the players' compatibility with each other was really as important as the talent and I think we nailed it this offseason.</p>
<p><b>On John Hammond's extension:</b></p>
<p><b>Marc</b>: We thought it was important to get John and Jason on the same cycle. Jason has a couple years left, so we extended John, so that they're on the same cycle. They did a terrific job last year -- Jason on the court and John off the court. We're very excited about the chemistry and the makeup of the team. We just thought it was the right thing to do. It was not a difficult decision.</p>
<p><b>On the process of getting the arena deal approved:</b></p>
<p><b>Wes</b>: It happened in quite rapid order. From the time we started dealing with the state in January to having the mayor sign it and the city council approve it just a couple weeks ago, Adam Silver told me he thought it was a record for the league to get an arena approved. So, that process was great.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Adam Silver told me he thought it was a record for the league to get an arena approved. <span>- Wes Edens</span>
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<p><b>On this being the last media day in the current practice facility:</b></p>
<p><b>Wes</b>: We're pretty optimistic guys, but I don't think you can build something in the next 12 months. I think two years is probably a reasonable amount of time to get it done. So, probably one more media day in this building.</p>
<p><b>On the new practice facility:</b></p>
<p><b>Wes</b>: We've gone around and looked at a bunch of different facilities to find some of the best ideas. We spent a bunch of time at the Bulls facility with the Reinsdorfs. That's a terrific facility. We saw the Blazers', the Clippers', and the Cavaliers'. Ours will probably be a similar size facility. If anything, ours will be a little bigger since we allocated space to the sports science center with the emphasis on Troy Flanagan, Suki Hobson, and the rest of the gang here. A lot of the other stuff though, we took some of the better aspects of their designs and it will be right next to the facility downtown.</p>
<p><b>On surprises in owning the team:</b></p>
<p><b>Jamie</b>: I would say one thing I realized is how important the health of the athletes is. I think with having Troy Flanagan here our number one focus is to have the best conditioned and healthiest athletes in the NBA. We're really looking to reduce their risk of any kind of injury or missing playing time. I think that was one thing you don't realize about the NBA. Just how tough the sport is at the NBA level or how easy it is to get a little tweak here or there and miss games. So, that's a big, big focus. As Wes mentioned, when we were going over the plans for the new training facility, I think our biggest focus was on the fitness of the athletes as opposed to all the other auxiliary areas of the facility.</p>
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<div class="pullquote">Our number one focus is to have the best conditioned and healthiest athletes in the NBA.<span>- Jamie Dinan</span>
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<p><b>On the competitiveness of small-market teams like Milwaukee:</b></p>
<p><b>Marc</b>: It's amazing the reputation Milwaukee has outside of Milwaukee. When you live in Milwaukee, you might look at it a little differently. Outside (of Milwaukee), everybody thinks it's a phenomenal place. Everyone is super friendly. I think Wes is right. In today's day and age, you look at, "where am I going to be that I have the potential to succeed?" And if I succeed, what I can accomplish is so much greater than if I was just in New York or L.A. That's been the biggest difference. You're seeing small market teams start to have an edge because players want to go there. Players are starting to realize that they're only going to do well if their team wins. The focus has become, "How do I win? And how do I increase the likelihood of winning?"</p>
<p><b>Eric Nehm's Takeaways: </b>It's quite clear that the Bucks owners are expecting quite a bit from the franchise in the coming years, but have a clear understanding that winning a championship doesn't happen overnight. They also seem completely committed to making the Bucks a world-class organization with state of the art facilities and industry-leading sports science programs.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/29/9411047/bucks-media-day-marc-lasry-wes-edens-jamie-dinanEric NehmFrank Madden2015-09-29T07:00:07-05:002015-09-29T07:00:07-05:00Media Day Quotables: Kha$h and MCW Edition
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<p>The Bucks held their media day on Monday before traveling to training camp in Madison later this week. Some of the players had some interesting things to say.</p> <p>No one benefited more from the midseason arrival of <span>Michael Carter-Williams</span> than <span>Khris Middleton</span>. With leading scorer <span>Brandon Knight</span> gone, Middleton took on an expanded role that saw him average nearly 17 points per game over the season's final two months of the season -- and cash in to the tune of five years and $70 million when free agency began on July 1st.</p>
<p>Still, Middleton's emergence was well under way even before Knight departed, and he made it clear on Monday that he's not just a gunner looking for more shots.</p>
<p><span>"This year, I won't be forced into that role to take as many tough shots as I felt I did last year. With Greg and Jabari coming back, I should just be able to play my role, not force as much, and just play off others and play my game."</span></p>
<p>It's a mindset that Middleton, Carter-Williams and the rest of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Bucks</a> will hopefully share. Complete <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/27/7921383/super-bowl-2015-media-day-updates-news-live-coverage">media day</a> comments from Middleton and Carter-Williams below:</p>
<p><u><b>Khris Middleton</b></u></p>
<p><b>On his role this season:</b></p>
<p>"I'm really not sure, but I'm ready for anything. I don't have to be the focal point of this offense. Really, I don't think any of us need to be the focal point of this offense, just as long as we all play together. We have Greg down low that can score and make plays, Giannis and Jabari that can do the same thing and Mike as a talented point guard. As long as we just fit together and play together, we don't have to worry about who is going to take these shots or who is going to do what."</p>
<p><b>On staying in Milwaukee and not exploring any other options in free agency:</b></p>
<p>"First of all, I love the city. I love being here. Just being traded here with John Hammond. They had confidence in me. They told me they wanted me here and that I was a big piece of that trade. They gave me confidence on the floor. Then J. Kidd came last year and made me a better and more complete player. I wouldn't want to leave when I know I have a great situation here with a chance to keep moving forward."</p>
<p><b>On the young core:</b></p>
<p>"Like you said, we're young. I think Greg is the oldest at 25. We have a lot of talent that will be here for years to come. Just learning and playing with each other in the next week during training camp is going to be huge for us. Learning the system and learning how to play off of each other, especially with Jabari going down. We didn't have him for half the year, so we add him, Greg, Cope and Greivis. It's going to be a challenge, but once we figure it out, I think we can be a very dangerous team."</p>
<p><b>On finding his role and team chemistry:</b></p>
<p>"I felt like last year I was forced into that role [after the All-Star break]. This year, I won't be forced into that role to take as many tough shots as I felt I did last year. With Greg and Jabari coming back, I should just be able to play my role, not force as much, and just play off others and play my game."</p>
<p><b>Brew Hoop Takeaways: </b><span>Despite a new contract and relatively impressive second half as the focal point of the Bucks offense, it seems like Middleton is (rather refreshingly) more than happy to settle back into being a "3-and-D guy", while allowing Monroe and Parker to work together as the major focus of the Bucks offense. Middleton also seems to believe the Bucks are putting together something quite special and he seems more than happy to be a part of it.</span></p>
<p><b><u>Michael Carter-Williams</u></b></p>
<p><b>On the offseason:</b></p>
<p>"It was great. It was kind of like a breathe of fresh air. The biggest thing for me was just being on the court and in the weight room. That was really important for me since I missed last summer [with a shoulder injury]."</p>
<p><b>On practicing with with Team USA this summer:</b></p>
<p>"It was great. I learned a lot. I had a great time. I took advice from some people who have played in this league for a while and are at a place I want to get some day....I took a lot of advice, I put in a lot of work in the offseason and I'm just excited for this week."</p>
<p><b>Possible mindset change as a point guard with added weapons:</b></p>
<p>"It's something I think about. I'm not going to try to change my game too much. I think these guys push me to be aggressive and attack the rim and do things to just help the team. I've still got a ways to go, I've still got things to figure out. I'm sure my coaches and my teammates will help me out with that."</p>
<p><b>On Jason Kidd's influence:</b></p>
<p>"It's been great. He's taught me a lot in the short amount of time I've been here. I try to pick his brain everyday, watch old film of his and how he ran his offense, especially this year. When he was playing with Dallas, he was playing with a lot of good players and he managed to get the ball to everybody and this year, I'm in a similar situation. So, I've just tried to watch a lot of film of his and picking his brain."</p>
<p><b>Brew Hoop Takeaways: </b>After missing all of last summer due to shoulder surgery, it seemed like Carter-Williams was really grateful to have a healthy offseason, in which to work on his game. He also seemed to really focus on using his experiences this summer to take in as much information as possible. His answers also made it seem like he is well aware of the skill of his teammates and how he will need to be a strong facilitator in this upcoming season.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/29/9410523/bucks-media-day-quotables-jabari-parker-michael-carter-williams-khris-middletonEric NehmFrank Madden2015-09-28T17:38:30-05:002015-09-28T17:38:30-05:00Bucks injury update: Ennis waiting for clearance
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<p>Tyler Ennis underwent surgery on his shoulder in May.</p> <p><span>Bucks point guard Tyler Ennis is still waiting for the green light to get back onto the basketball floor.</span></p>
<p>After undergoing labrum surgery on his right shoulder in May, Ennis said Monday that he still hasn't received medical clearance from the team to participate in contact drills.</p>
<p>"We're still looking at that." Ennis said regarding his timetable for the next few weeks. "I know I'll still be able to do the majority of stuff in camp. I'm still waiting to get cleared for contact. I'm just playing it day by day and waiting for the medical staff to clear me."</p>
<p>Ennis was included with Michael Carter-Williams and Miles Plumlee in the trade deadline deal that sent Brandon Knight to Phoenix. He played sparingly in 25 games for the Bucks, mostly sitting behind Carter-Williams and veteran Jerryd Bayless.</p>
<p>In other injury news, <span>Damien Inglis</span> confirmed Monday that he will be ready for the Bucks' first preseason game on Oct. 6 in Chicago. Inglis missed the entire 2014-15 season with a foot injury he sustained during his pre-draft workout with Oklahoma City last May. He played in summer league but still wasn't 100 percent.</p>
<p>"Right now I just feel good and I'm ready to go," Inglis said.</p>
<p>Forward Jabari Parker was upbeat on Monday but <a href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9410955/jabari-parker-rehab-knee-injury-media-day" target="_blank">didn't give a concrete answer regarding whether or not he will be a full go</a> for practice tomorrow in Madison. Could he be on a minutes restriction?</p>
<p>"I go within the hours and whatever I'm able to complete," Parker explained, "I can't predict anything."</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9410827/bucks-injury-nba-jabari-parker-tyler-ennis-waiting-for-medical-clearanceAron Yohannes2015-09-28T16:41:23-05:002015-09-28T16:41:23-05:00Jabari: "I wanted to rebuild my body from scratch"
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<p>For Parker, rehabbing a torn ACL provided a chance to reshape his entire body.</p> <p>Ten months after a devastating knee injury cut short his rookie season, Jabari Parker was all smiles at the Bucks' practice facility on Monday.</p>
<p>Though his timetable for returning to game action remains rather unclear, Parker was in his usual good spirits at Bucks' media day festivities on Monday, emphasizing his time away from the game as an opportunity to reshape his body ahead of his second season. Parker was photographed <a href="http://www.nba.com/bucks/gallery/basketball-back" target="_blank">scrimmaging with teammates last week</a> and will be doing <i>something </i>tomorrow when the Bucks tip off their 2015 training camp in Madison, though it appears <a href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/23/9384377/jabari-parker-bucks-nba-jason-kidd-greg-monroe-giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank">he'll be on some type of minutes limit</a> once he does return to action. Here are his full comments from Monday:</p>
<p><b>How are you feeling?</b></p>
<p>"I'm feeling good. They probably passed me on my physical as being enthusiastic and hyper, so emotionally, I'm balanced."</p>
<p><b>Will you be a full go tomorrow at practice?</b></p>
<p>"I go within the hours, and whatever I'm able to complete, then you'll be able to *analyze that, but I can't predict anything."</p>
<p><b>How difficult has this process been? How satisfying is it to be at this point?</b></p>
<p>"It's been real good, *I'm able to do a lot of things to distract from things I haven't been able to do. It's been fairly new, but I think I scratched the surface within my training and I can build (on that) now. It's real exciting and I'm so glad I had a good support system with the training staff and my coaches."</p>
<p><b>The organization has talked about being cautious with you. Does that impact your mentality as a player?</b></p>
<p>"It might enhance it because I know I only have a little bit of time. I'm just going to give everything I have for the amount of time and opportunity that I get."</p>
<p><b>On Greg Monroe and the new lineup:</b></p>
<p>"I'm very excited, very glad that I get a chance to work with a team, be around a team. Again, there's no better feeling than having a group of guys and building relationships from there."</p>
<p><b>On his upper body looking bigger, workouts he focused on this summer:</b></p>
<p>"Be able to hold my ground. I kind of struggled last year guarding a lot of fours. It's not a lot of stretch fours out there in the league, they're more stable down there. The plan was to be able to hold my ground on defense. It's something I wanted to do, too. I wanted to rebuild my body from scratch and not have any flaws."</p>
<p><b>Playing in the four spot?</b></p>
<p>"I see it going forward. I always played the four all my life, in high school and college. College played the five, too. It's a position to me, that's what I do. It's a position where I can be anywhere on the floor. I gain a lot of confidence being able to study it and also having a few games under it."</p>
<p><b>On his summer trip to Peru:</b></p>
<p>"Well, I didn't get a chance to travel to London [in January to play the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a>]. The owners and my coaching staff gave me an opportunity to travel somewhat overseas and get out of the states for a few. Peru was a trip that my trainer Suki [Hobson] came up with. She thought it would be cool for my legs to get underneath me and also my cardio. You hike those mountains, they're real steep. I made it in one piece, it was real fun. It was also a trip that I take for character. We take a lot for granted out there and you don't find out how fortunate you are even though you come from the bottom of the financial pool."</p>
<p><b>On the hours he had to put in and what it will mean when he's back on the court:</b></p>
<p>"It would mean a lot, but it's something I have to build on and work towards because I'm not complete. It's been able to prep me all the way to this point, but it's also to help me go throughout the season. Once I reach that, I'll be really satisfied."</p>
<p><b>What's been the biggest challenge?</b></p>
<p>"There have been a few. I really don't look at it as a big deal. I kind of tricked myself and my mindset because when people look at it pessimistically, they think with the wrong mentality. You're probably going to be a different person and it's pretty traumatizing. For myself, I really didn't treat it that way. I wanted to treat it as positive as possible saying that I was going to be able to start back over and build myself up. There was no better way that I could do that other than building myself up and that was real fun."</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9410955/jabari-parker-rehab-knee-injury-media-dayFrank Madden2015-09-28T11:03:30-05:002015-09-28T11:03:30-05:00John Hammond: A new day in Bucks basketball
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<p>Bucks GM John Hammond addressed reporters this morning in St. Francis.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Bucks</a> general manager John Hammond spoke with the media this morning during his team's 2015 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/27/7921383/super-bowl-2015-media-day-updates-news-live-coverage">media day</a>. Here are some highlights:</p>
<p><b>Who are you targeting in the East?</b></p>
<p>I think we're still more in the mode of not being concerned of others. Probably the most important for us is to worry about us and how much we can improve this season.</p>
<p><b>On adding Rod Thorn:</b></p>
<p>It's great for the organization. He's done everything in this league, so he's just an invaluable person to help us in many ways to help us become a championship caliber team.</p>
<p><b>On training in Madison:</b></p>
<p>Last year a couple of guys mentioned doing something different in training camp next year. A couple of destinations were discussed, but me and Jason were talking and brought up training camp again. It fit, it's a home away from home for us. It's going to be a great spot to go for camp.</p>
<p><b>How has Jabari handled the rehab?</b></p>
<p>He's been great through the rehab process. We saw who Jabari is and what he's about. The workouts have been tremendous. I couldn't be more proud of where he's at and I know he's excited about the upcoming season.</p>
<p><b>On what people thought of the signing of <span>Greg Monroe</span>:</b></p>
<p>There's a new day in Milwaukee Bucks basketball here. It changed the landscape of who we are, so to have something like this happen, it's kind of what we expected. It was a great opportunity for us and we hope it can last.</p>
<p><b>What's it like not having to worry about the arena?</b></p>
<p>It's a great opportunity for us and also the business side. There's a sense of direction of where we're going. We have an opportunity to build on last year and where we're going. We want to do this the right way, we have to be careful with the process. These things don't happen overnight. We'll grow and learn from the pains.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9407375/bucks-media-day-2015-jabari-parker-giannis-antetokounmpo-greg-monroeAron Yohannes2015-09-28T11:00:41-05:002015-09-28T11:00:41-05:00Kidd: We're still a team learning how to win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4QZSC8DkrAYX8UHA7iIglLuF5rg=/0x71:2208x1543/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47278454/usa-today-8527243.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jason Kidd is entering his second season as Bucks head coach.</p> <p><span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Bucks</a> head coach <span>Jason Kidd</span> spoke with reporters this morning at his team's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/27/7921383/super-bowl-2015-media-day-updates-news-live-coverage">media day</a> in St. Francis. Here are some highlights:</span></p>
<p><b>Is there a team to beat in the East?</b></p>
<p>For us it's learning about the good and bad. We're still a new team learning how to win in this league, and it starts today at media day and tomorrow on the floor to get better. It's not just one team we're targeting, we're focusing on ourselves.</p>
<p><b>How do you handle success?</b></p>
<p>For us there will be high expectations because of making the playoffs. We have to learn how to handle high expectations. We did well handling no expectations. We're going to go through our growing pains, because when you become a team consistently in this league, expectations get higher.</p>
<p><b>On adding Rod Thorn:</b></p>
<p>John mentioned he's done everything in the NBA. He's done it all, but he's done it well. I had the pleasure of playing with him in New Jersey and he knows what it takes to win. We're lucky to have him on board.</p>
<p><b>On training in Madison:</b></p>
<p>We don't just want to be Milwaukee, we want to be Wisconsin.</p>
<p><b>On losing veterans this offseason:</b></p>
<p>I think when you look at our younger players, they have to step up. We thought this would be the best time for those young guys to learn how to speak up.</p>
<p><b>On expectations:</b></p>
<p>That's just winning, it comes with winning. We have to embrace it and not run from it and enjoy the experience and moment. There's going to be ups and downs.</p>
<p><b>On Jabari's rehab:</b></p>
<p>Mentally and physically he's changed his body. I give credit to our medical staff on their plan and he's followed it.</p>
<p><b>On his team's youth:</b></p>
<p>I think you can see their maturity last year being able to handle winning in the first portion of the season. They didn't break, they understand who we are. We're not one or two guys. Maturity wise we have young guys in age, but they're wise. They'll make mistakes on the floor but it's for them to make plays on the other end.</p>
<p><b>On <span>Greg Monroe</span>:</b></p>
<p>Greg wanted to be a part of something like this.</p>
<p><b>On the culture change:</b></p>
<p>I think we'll see more Milwaukee Bucks [gear] on Sunday. There's a lot of positive things going on and I think everybody is excited.</p>
<p><b>On the impact of Greg Monroe:</b></p>
<p>It's always nice to be closer, the NBA likes those shots. We're working on trying to get the ball inside and playing our game. Eventually guys will shoot the three. Greg gives us more space. He can also pass the ball and has a great basketball IQ.</p>
https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9407431/bucks-media-day-2015-nba-jason-kidd-jabari-parker-giannis-antetokounmpo-greg-monroeAron Yohannes2015-09-28T10:00:05-05:002015-09-28T10:00:05-05:00Bucks media day 2015: Live thread and highlights
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QGoTq_gPYIxMJUL4QOgzS-nkKTc=/0x0:4829x3219/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47286266/usa-today-8831320.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Follow along with today's Bucks media day festivities with our live thread.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a> begin training for the 2015-16 NBA season on Tuesday, but before that begins, they have to say hello to the media.</p>
<p>Bucks <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/27/7921383/super-bowl-2015-media-day-updates-news-live-coverage" class="sbn-auto-link">media day</a> is here, and after an offseason highlighted by the approval of the downtown arena deal and signing <span>Greg Monroe</span>, there's a lot of excitement in Milwaukee.</p>
<p><b>MORE: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/23/9384411/bucks-new-arena-november-construction-start-espn-future-nba-power-rankings">Bucks make big jump in ESPN's rankings</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/22/9349037/milwaukee-bucks-defense-greg-monroe-jabari-parker">Will the Bucks regress defensively?</a> </b></p>
<p>The return of <span>Jabari Parker</span> is the main headline to watch in Bucks camp. Parker only played in 25 games his rookie season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Bucks general manager John Hammond <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/23/9384377/jabari-parker-bucks-nba-jason-kidd-greg-monroe-giannis-antetokounmpo" style="background-color: #ffffff;">said last week</a> that Parker will be able to participate in camp, but they're going to monitor his progress closely.</p>
<p>The Bucks are carrying 20 bodies in training camp, putting pressure on 2014 second-round picks <span>Johnny O'Bryant</span> and <span>Damien Inglis</span> to perform well. O'Bryant wasn't efficient in limited minutes last season and has been slowed by injuries (a hamstring issue kept him out of summer league). Inglis missed all of last season with a broken foot but did show positive signs in Las Vegas. Milwaukee must have their roster to 15 by Oct. 26.</p>
<p>Follow along with today's festivities with our live Twitter feed and communicate with your fellow Bucks fans in the comments below. <a href="http://www.nba.com/bucks/mediaday/2015" target="_blank">Bucks.com will stream the action here</a>, and we'll update this thread throughout the day with highlights as well as content from us.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9407375/bucks-media-day-2015-jabari-parker-giannis-antetokounmpo-greg-monroe">John Hammond Q&A: "There's a new day in Milwaukee Bucks basketball"</a> </b></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9407431/bucks-media-day-2015-nba-jason-kidd-jabari-parker-giannis-antetokounmpo-greg-monroe"><b>Jason Kidd Q&A: "We're still a new team learning to win in this league"</b></a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mean muggin' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BucksMediaDay?src=hash">#BucksMediaDay</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/DamienINGLIS">@damienINGLIS</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/OptimusCope">@OptimusCope</a> <a href="http://t.co/AFP7XzssOy">pic.twitter.com/AFP7XzssOy</a></p>
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/648540065711296514">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'm not a real estate agent, I'm a basketball player. I thought this was the best situation for me."—Greg Monroe on picking MKE over NYC/LA</p>
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Velazquez/status/648541395032997888">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'm here to play basketball, not hang out. You can win in any market, its a new day in the NBA" -Greg Monroe <a href="http://t.co/nUY8U4g0eY">pic.twitter.com/nUY8U4g0eY</a></p>
— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/brewcitypaul/status/648541681193586689">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MCW: My mind is in a great place right now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucks?src=hash">#Bucks</a> <a href="http://t.co/ThgkzrGEI6">pic.twitter.com/ThgkzrGEI6</a></p>
— Aron Yohannes (@AronYohannes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AronYohannes/status/648542311324893184">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jabari (plus muscles) has entered the building... <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks">@Bucks</a> <a href="http://t.co/TjvgKAS6i2">pic.twitter.com/TjvgKAS6i2</a></p>
— JP Cadorin (@jpcadorin) <a href="https://twitter.com/jpcadorin/status/648542685096214528">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MCW: I never felt in Philly that I was unwanted. I'm happy to be here and the past is the past. I'm just looking to get better.</p>
— Aron Yohannes (@AronYohannes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AronYohannes/status/648543056103260160">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When asked about trying to play with so many talented players, MCW said he still has a ways to go and still has things to figure out.</p>
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/648543384676773888">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucks?src=hash">#Bucks</a> The Alphabet Giannis with <a href="https://twitter.com/DennisKrause1">@DennisKrause1</a>. <a href="http://t.co/jJhmlzmYcT">pic.twitter.com/jJhmlzmYcT</a></p>
— Ted Davis (@nbated) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbated/status/648536517917302785">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Henson talked about the importance of having the same coaches for two years in a row. Gave him a better idea what to focus on in the summer.</p>
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/648535996548648960">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"the Bulls series gave me the confidence to know I can play at that level." <a href="http://t.co/SGb8QnJOqU">pic.twitter.com/SGb8QnJOqU</a></p>
— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/brewcitypaul/status/648535357659607041">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I see a lot of similarities btwn Green & Growing team, this young team here. Its definitely electric" -<a href="https://twitter.com/olskool888">@olskool888</a> <a href="http://t.co/bNFU53jEED">pic.twitter.com/bNFU53jEED</a></p>
— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/brewcitypaul/status/648539365593911296">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">O'Bryant says he spent this summer also getting in better shape for the season. He looks a bit leaner.</p>
— Aron Yohannes (@AronYohannes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AronYohannes/status/648536655515615232">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Middleton seems to be happy to out of a focal offensive role. Mentions not being forced to take as many tough shots this season.</p>
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) <a href="https://twitter.com/eric_nehm/status/648534543054544896">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">(Playing with MCW) "Im going to be able to play my game instead forcing up too many shots, like I did after (trade)"</p>
— Paul Henning (@brewcitypaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/brewcitypaul/status/648534529804750848">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Out here at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BucksMediaDay?src=hash">#BucksMediaDay</a> like <a href="http://t.co/HD2y5Oi8mi">pic.twitter.com/HD2y5Oi8mi</a></p>
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/648534319418339328">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Middleton: I'm ready for anything, I don't have to be a focal point.. As long as we fit, we really don't have to worry about who does what.</p>
— Aron Yohannes (@AronYohannes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AronYohannes/status/648533388714881024">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's <a href="https://twitter.com/G_ante34">@G_ante34</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariParker">@JabariParker</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/RealJasonKidd">@RealJasonKidd</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks">@Bucks</a> media day <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucks?src=hash">#Bucks</a> <a href="http://t.co/hNwSm7vGBO">pic.twitter.com/hNwSm7vGBO</a></p>
— Lance Allan (@lanceallan) <a href="https://twitter.com/lanceallan/status/648559129775226885">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Giannis reports that he is not yet 7 feet tall. Sorry guys! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BucksMediaDay?src=hash">#BucksMediaDay</a> <a href="http://t.co/HCW3GEon2v">pic.twitter.com/HCW3GEon2v</a></p>
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/648555807244578816">September 28, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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https://www.brewhoop.com/2015/9/28/9406859/bucks-media-day-jabari-parker-giannis-antetokounmpo-greg-monroeAron Yohannes