07-03-2012, 01:29 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
|
Player
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 878
Rep Power: 168395
|
Bucks Season Preview
From Bucksketball, a professional blog by Bucks fans, for Bucks fans
Quote:
For the 2014-2015 FRSL season, the Milwaukee Bucks may be going back to the future, back to the year 2012-2013 that is. That was arguably the best season in franchise history, in which the team, decimated by injuries, was ousted in the second round of the playoffs. Leading into this new season, the new look Bucks have many similarities to that 2013 squad. That is no accident. In an exclusive interview, GM Kreutz revealed, "After a disappointing campaign last year, our management and coaching staff came together to discuss the future. Interestingly, we decided that our future was in our past. We decided to hit the reset button and build this team in the same way that we built that 2013 squad."
The Bucks already had a head start on that rebuild with with fan favorite, Brandon Jennings, still on the team. In 2013, Jennings was named the FRSL's 6th man of the year as he backed up both PG Jose Calderon and SG Ray Allen. In the two seasons since then, Jennings has found himself as a key starter in the rotation. But, the coaching staff has made a revelation; despite being one of the Bucks' best players, Jennings simply fits better coming off teh bench. Kreutz explains, "Brandon may be coming off the bench this year, but he'll still be getting starter's minutes and leading what many will argue is the best second line in the league." Expect Jennings to once again compete for the 6th Man of the Year title this year.
The Bucks also return Jose Calderon, another key member of that 2013 team. That year, Calderon turned around what looked like a depressing season after the injury to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The team instantly improved with his addition. This year, team Management took a risk, releasing Calderon via his Team Option in the hopes of resigning him on a cheaper contract. Luckily, Jose was all for it, willing to give up of his paycheck to help the team. Though he may be agin now, Calderon is still one of the league's best passers and looks to continue his impressive career assist-to-turnover ration this coming season.
The Bucks also find the aid of Cody Zeller, a rookie in 2013 who had to learn to grow up quickly as he was asked to fill a starting roll in the post. Since then, Zeller has grown into a perennial starter and fan favorite.
Early in this offseason, a trade opportunity arose for Milwaukee that seemed destined for this team. The Atlanta Hawks offered a deal that included the #3 overall pick in this year's draft for Javale McGee. As most fans will remember, the Bucks held the #3 pick at the start of 2012-2013 as well. That year they turned it into Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, an MVP candidate last season. This year they found another talented youngster in Alex Abrines, a shooter who fills the 2013 Ray Allen shoes extremely well. Unlike Allen, however, Abrines brings an amazing pair of defensive hands to the Bucks. Expect to see pickpockets left and right from this young euro guard.
As I mentioned earlier, Brandon Jennings should be an early favorite for 6th Man of the Year. However, some of his biggest competition may come from a teammate, as Ed Davis will once again be asked to provide a spark off the bench behind Zeller and rookie, Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira. Opponents should be prepared to fear this Bucks second unit as it will be lead by 2 players who would likely start on any other team.
Lastly, Milwaukee will be filling one of the biggest holes from that 2013 season, Small Forward, with all-star Andre Iguodala. SF was not a hole for that 2013 squad for lack of talent, but due to a devastating injury to then-starter Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The playoff push that year came without him.
Though this season is largely still an experiment for this squad, hopes are high in Milwaukee. But only time will tell if this team can repeat, and build upon, the success from 2012-2013.
|
__________________
FRSL Milwaukee Bucks GM
KVBL Omaha Storm GM
|
|
|
Linear Mode
