FanOfAll8472

I'm a big Ray Allen fan...yet I'm also a big Michael Redd, Desmond Mason and TJ Ford fan. Ohh wait no, I forgot what my name was . I actually think that TJ Ford, Redd, Kukoc, and Mason will do enough to take the Bucks to the playoffs. I'm not a big fan of Thomas (contrary to my name) esp cos of his huge contract, but he's a good players at time. The only thing I dont like about this current lineup is Thomas and Joe Smith's contract. Maybe the lack of Ray Allen, but they have Redd and Mason there to fill up. At least Godzilla Gadzuric's coming along...wonder why Sampson left...stumps the crap outta me.

Slasher

I have questions will George Karl. He was a great coach until the Bucks gave him the massive contract, then he just went downhill. History shows us that he has had problems with the Olympic Team (mainly Paul Pierce and Jermaine O'Neal). He also has issues with Glenn Robinson (who got traded to Atlanta), Ray Allen (traded to Seattle), and Sam Cassell (traded to Minnesota). I think he's getting a bad image. Lets just hope for all Buck's fans sake that he doesn't have any problems with the current lineup, because the problems just seem to spread.

WhoDaBest23

Just curious, who's gonna be TJ Ford's backup?? He's the Bucks only true PG on the roster. I hope the Bucks don't expect him to shine right away cus he prolly won't. TJ will hold his own, but he's only a rookie. He's gonna need another PG right along with him.

Slasher

Well the Bucks have plenty of cap space and should be making a run later in the summer for a young gun point guard such as Speedy Claxton or Tryonn Lue.

FanOfAll8472

Yeah, the Bucks went after Ollie, but didnt get him. They, AFAIK, dont have a signed backup. Lue and Speedy might be kinda costly and are attracting attention from other teams...so I doub they'll sign with the Bucks

#1BucksFan

They won't sign anybody else. Their Cap room for next offseason is among the most in the NBA.

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jokeaward

Maybe they're freeing up room for current players like Kukoc and Mason.

Smith's not a dog if he's healthy. He has some intangibles like he's a friendly guy, hard worker, etc. I'm interested to see him in the East.

New big three?

Ford
Mason
Draft pick unless Smith turns out good

Some good drivers to the basket, along with good shooters like Redd, Kukoc, and Thomas. And no luxury tax.

SKLB54

I personally am a fan of what the Bucks have been doing, and there's reasons behind these trades. What Coach Karl is attempting to do is what I will call the "Karl-ification" of the team. What I mean by that is that his main goal is to build a defensively strong basketball team.

Trade 1:
Gary Payton and Desmond Mason for Ray Allen, Ronald Murray, and Kevin Ollie

This trade, although criticized by most of you, makes sense. Essentially, this was a player with less talent, but will fit in for a player that has more talent, but wont fit in. Why wouldn't Allen fit in? Because as good as Allen is, he just isn't the player that Karl is looking for to be his franchise player. I'm not saying Desmond Mason is, but he's actually closer.

Also, "One of the reasons the Bucks obtained Payton for Ray Allen in the midseason trade with Seattle was that Grunfeld was under orders to trim the team's payroll before the trade deadline. Payton made $12.6 million last season and would receive a pay raise should he decide to re-sign with the Bucks. But should he go elsewhere, his salary would be off Milwaukee's books."

Trade 2:
Joe Smith and Anthony Peeler for Sam Cassell and Ervin Johnson

Another trade being criticized by most, yet is a smart move. Getting rid of Cassell stops any controversy of who is the PG in Milwaukee, and Ervin Johnson hasn't done anything significant in years. Getting Smith will give the Bucks a big PF to let Haislip develop. Sure, Smith doesn't really fit in too well in Milwaukee, not being too good a defender himself, but the complete lack of a big PF makes him valuable. Peeler's contract will end after this upcoming season, thus cutting salary.

So, for this upcoming season, they have improved their defense and secured positions and minutes for their future stars. A look into the new lineup:

C: Joel Przybilla 7'1"
PF: Joe Smith 6'10"
SF: Tim Thomas 6'10"
SG: Desmond Mason 6'5"
PG: TJ Ford 6'0"

Also, a few of you have mentioned Dan Gadzuric's name, saying that he's going to be the starter. I doubt that he will get there as long as Przybilla isn't injured. Why? Gadzuric's defense is a work in progress, while Przybilla is an excellent defender. So even though Przybilla will rarely score, something that Gadzuric can do better, you can depend on him to play very good defense. Also, this is Przybilla's final year of his contract, so he's going to do all he can.

This team may not score all that much, but it definatly will make it hard for the other team to score their points. Lottery bound? Probably. On the right track? Yes. Idealy, in the next draft, they'll be able to select Kosta Perovic.

Also, another person mentioned a new big three, and left out Haislip. IMO Haislip could develop into being a very good power forward averaging double double numbers. But I disagree that the Bucks will have a "Big Three", and rather a more team based game plan that uses all of their players instead of focusing on getting the ball to the 3 scorers (which is why the switch from Cassell to Ford is a very good one.)


Source for the quote about Payton trade:
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/spo...ba/6188701.htm

FanOfAll8472

I think Redd might start and Mason excel in his 6th man role. Dont forget Anthony Mason...either way, gadzuric and hasilip have big time potential at the c and pf spots.