The Weekly Bucks Report is still alive and kicking! Two Name is down...but he is not out. He will continue to write the quality analysis we've all grown to love until the Bucks are eliminated from playoff contention. And after that, he tells me he might even want to write about OFFSEASON moves and the like (wow!).
It’s sad to say, but I’m done. I’ve checked out.
I’ve followed the Bucks closely all season, literally watching at least some of every game, but now it’s becoming unbearable. I’m not sure if my interest has waned due to March Madness or the progression of spring training, but it’s difficult to tune in and pay attention to the Bucks lately.
I watched Mike Redd and Andrew Bogut fall to injuries. I watched Charlie V. and Ramon Sessions carry the team for a few weeks. And I’ve seen glimpses of a bright future with Scott Skiles running this squad. But, for this season, I’m done. The Bucks have 11 games remaining – six coming against teams with winning records – and I’ve run out of hope and patience with this season. I guess 71 games was all I could muster.
Sure, Milwaukee still could surge ahead and claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. I don’t see it happening, but the possibility exists. But there’s nothing I hate more than jump-shooting, one-pass-and-shoot, no-effort basketball, and that’s what the Bucks have put on display of late. Injuries have decimated the team, and players simply have run out of gas. Everyone knew the Bucks bench was thin at the beginning of the season, and injuries made that point even more evident as the season wore on.
I hung on longer than most Bucks fans did. I know everyone said the season was over when Bogut was ruled out with a fracture in his back. I was in that group at first. But the way the Bucks responded in the weeks following Bogut’s injury was encouraging. The quality of play definitely took me by surprise. Unfortunately, it didn’t last.
I still will tune in here and there for the final month of the season, mostly due to my obligation to the Weekly Bucks Report (as if anyone cares at this point - editor's note: Hey now!). When I do tune in, I will do it with forward thinking in mind. I will envision how the Bucks lineup will look next season and enjoy watching the Fresh Prince and Ramon continue to progress.
Along those lines, it’s time to play Joe Alexander (editor's note: HA!). I want to see some of the raw athleticism that made him the first pick of the John Hammond era. That pick hasn’t been justified this season, but 11 games would be a nice growth opportunity for Joe. Why not play him? It’s time to say bye-bye to the playoffs and look ahead to next year.
Now that I’m done with the current campaign, I’ll use the last couple Weekly Bucks Reports to look ahead to next year and assess the bright spots of this season. I had a lot of enthusiasm heading into the year, but I’m ready for baseball. I’m done with the Bucks, until November 2009, of course.
Bogans back?: Keith Bogans has played well of late, and Skiles has take a liking to the burly guard. I like the defensive intensity Bogans brings to the court. He might be earning himself a roster spot for next season based on his play of late. He’s played tough D, rebounded well and is averaging about 7 points in the month of March. Nothing special, I know, but he could be a solid backup next season.
Player of the week: Charlie V. has dropped off his torrid pace from a few weeks back, but he’s continuing to showcase his talents in a contract year. Big Smooth scored 17 points against Orlando and finished with 26 against Portland. Charlie is heading for a big payday, and he has 11 more games to earn a little more cash.
This week: The Bucks kick of a four-game road trip with games at Toronto, Orlando and Miami. They conclude the trip with a game Monday night at New Jersey. If the Bucks win more than one game on this trip, I would be surprised.
Showing posts with label Charlie V. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlie V. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Weekly Bucks Report
After a mid-season break due to the NBA All-Star Game, the Weekly Bucks Report returns in full force. Two Name told me he spent 4 hours writing this post - seriously...and all he wants in return is 1 comment in the comment section...so help the man out.
The Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Monday or Tuesday on CH.
I basically deemed the 2008-2009 season a lost cause as the calendar turned to February.
That was when we found out the Bucks would be without Andrew Bogut for eight weeks – which will turn out to be the entire season, playoffs or not – with a fracture in his back. Bogut joined Mike Redd on the bench after playing his last game Jan. 31 against Atlanta.
Then Luke Ridnour broke his thumb in practice 10 minutes – literally 10 minutes – after the Bucks traded Ridnour’s backup – Ty Lue – to Orlando for Keith Bogans on Feb. 5. If there’s ever an anecdote to sum up this season and the Bucks’ injury situation, that might be it.
How-evah, the short-handed Bucks have defied the odds thus far and surprised me with solid team play since Bogut and Redd were bench-ridden. Ridnour has since returned, but the play of Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva has helped Milwaukee hold onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Plus, Richard Jefferson has elevated his play, averaging about 25 points a game in February.
The Bucks are 4-4 since Bogut was declared out for the season, including impressive wins on the road against Detroit and at home against Denver on Sunday. They have lost to solid teams (Cleveland, specifically), but the most encouraging sign is the Bucks never seem completely overmatched. They’ve been in every game and easily could have reversed their fortunes in a couple of those losses.
What accounts for this success?
It has to be a mixture of players stepping up and Scott Skiles implementing a system that makes average players go above and beyond their ability. The way the Bucks pass the ball under Skiles is impressive. An extra pass here and there makes guys like Charlie Bell and Francisco Elson look better than they actually are at times because the passing leads to wide-open looks at the basket.
There’s also something to be said for not having to look for a star player or two on every possession. These guys don’t have feed Bogut in the post or find Redd on the perimeter, so they’re playing a more wide-open style. I don’t know how long this will last. Sooner or later, the lack of depth on the bench will have to bite the Bucks. Right?
They’ve defied the odds thus far. If they continue buying into the style of play they’ve featured since the beginning of February, the playoffs are still attainable, as crazy as that sounds. Especially when the schedule is loaded with home games the rest of the way.
I mean, really, does the Knicks’ roster, one of the groups chasing the Bucks for the eighth spot, really put more fear into your heart than Milwaukee’s? Don’t think so. No matter what happens, it’s just nice to see this team hasn’t gone into the tank, which definitely would have happened in years past.
LBJ in town: Anybody see LeBron score 16 points in the first 3 minutes of the third quarter against the Bucks on Saturday? I couldn’t stand watching fans cheer for him at the BC, but I’ve never seen anyone take shots from such outlandish distances and watch every one go in the basket. James finished with 55 points, including 8 of 11 from 3-point range. Funny this is, despite LeBron going off, the Bucks retook the lead in that game and had a chance to win. By the way, I’ll take Sessions over Mo Williams for the long-term solution at point guard. Mo looks great next to LeBron, but he’s not committed to being a pass-first, franchise point guard and never will be.
Calm trade winds: There was a lot of conversation about the Bucks preceding the trade deadline, but John Hammond stood pat with his overachieving roster. I didn’t have a problem with this. I’m thrilled Hammond didn’t trade Sessions or Villanueva earlier this season, and now I want to see how the rest of the campaign plays out. Hammond knows one of two things: Either he thinks this assortment of players can make the playoffs and wanted to see it through. Or, he knew one move wouldn’t put this roster over the top and make it a sure lock for the playoffs. I assume the most attractive players on the Bucks are Sessions and Villanueva, and Hammond couldn’t justify trading either one of them at this point, especially because the team is in the hunt.
Player of the week: It’s pretty much going to be Villanueva or Sessions the rest of the way, and this week it’s Charlie V. Big Smooth recorded double-doubles against Chicago and Cleveland (17 points, 12 boards, and 26 and 13, respectively), and he finished with 36 points and the game-clinching shot against Denver on Sunday. Charlie averaged 20 points a game in January and is showing no signs of slowing down.
This week: Bucks have a tough trip this week, heading to Dallas and New Orleans. Washington travels to the BC Saturday. I’ll go on a limb and say the Bucks will go 2-1 and surprise us in one of those road games. The Two Name guarantee will continue living in infamy, or shame …
The Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Monday or Tuesday on CH.
I basically deemed the 2008-2009 season a lost cause as the calendar turned to February.
That was when we found out the Bucks would be without Andrew Bogut for eight weeks – which will turn out to be the entire season, playoffs or not – with a fracture in his back. Bogut joined Mike Redd on the bench after playing his last game Jan. 31 against Atlanta.
Then Luke Ridnour broke his thumb in practice 10 minutes – literally 10 minutes – after the Bucks traded Ridnour’s backup – Ty Lue – to Orlando for Keith Bogans on Feb. 5. If there’s ever an anecdote to sum up this season and the Bucks’ injury situation, that might be it.
How-evah, the short-handed Bucks have defied the odds thus far and surprised me with solid team play since Bogut and Redd were bench-ridden. Ridnour has since returned, but the play of Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva has helped Milwaukee hold onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Plus, Richard Jefferson has elevated his play, averaging about 25 points a game in February.
The Bucks are 4-4 since Bogut was declared out for the season, including impressive wins on the road against Detroit and at home against Denver on Sunday. They have lost to solid teams (Cleveland, specifically), but the most encouraging sign is the Bucks never seem completely overmatched. They’ve been in every game and easily could have reversed their fortunes in a couple of those losses.
What accounts for this success?
It has to be a mixture of players stepping up and Scott Skiles implementing a system that makes average players go above and beyond their ability. The way the Bucks pass the ball under Skiles is impressive. An extra pass here and there makes guys like Charlie Bell and Francisco Elson look better than they actually are at times because the passing leads to wide-open looks at the basket.
There’s also something to be said for not having to look for a star player or two on every possession. These guys don’t have feed Bogut in the post or find Redd on the perimeter, so they’re playing a more wide-open style. I don’t know how long this will last. Sooner or later, the lack of depth on the bench will have to bite the Bucks. Right?
They’ve defied the odds thus far. If they continue buying into the style of play they’ve featured since the beginning of February, the playoffs are still attainable, as crazy as that sounds. Especially when the schedule is loaded with home games the rest of the way.
I mean, really, does the Knicks’ roster, one of the groups chasing the Bucks for the eighth spot, really put more fear into your heart than Milwaukee’s? Don’t think so. No matter what happens, it’s just nice to see this team hasn’t gone into the tank, which definitely would have happened in years past.
LBJ in town: Anybody see LeBron score 16 points in the first 3 minutes of the third quarter against the Bucks on Saturday? I couldn’t stand watching fans cheer for him at the BC, but I’ve never seen anyone take shots from such outlandish distances and watch every one go in the basket. James finished with 55 points, including 8 of 11 from 3-point range. Funny this is, despite LeBron going off, the Bucks retook the lead in that game and had a chance to win. By the way, I’ll take Sessions over Mo Williams for the long-term solution at point guard. Mo looks great next to LeBron, but he’s not committed to being a pass-first, franchise point guard and never will be.
Calm trade winds: There was a lot of conversation about the Bucks preceding the trade deadline, but John Hammond stood pat with his overachieving roster. I didn’t have a problem with this. I’m thrilled Hammond didn’t trade Sessions or Villanueva earlier this season, and now I want to see how the rest of the campaign plays out. Hammond knows one of two things: Either he thinks this assortment of players can make the playoffs and wanted to see it through. Or, he knew one move wouldn’t put this roster over the top and make it a sure lock for the playoffs. I assume the most attractive players on the Bucks are Sessions and Villanueva, and Hammond couldn’t justify trading either one of them at this point, especially because the team is in the hunt.
Player of the week: It’s pretty much going to be Villanueva or Sessions the rest of the way, and this week it’s Charlie V. Big Smooth recorded double-doubles against Chicago and Cleveland (17 points, 12 boards, and 26 and 13, respectively), and he finished with 36 points and the game-clinching shot against Denver on Sunday. Charlie averaged 20 points a game in January and is showing no signs of slowing down.
This week: Bucks have a tough trip this week, heading to Dallas and New Orleans. Washington travels to the BC Saturday. I’ll go on a limb and say the Bucks will go 2-1 and surprise us in one of those road games. The Two Name guarantee will continue living in infamy, or shame …
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Weekly Bucks Report Will Not Die!
The Weekly Bucks Report is generally understood to be the best weekly blog piece written about the Milwaukee Bucks. It is written by CH Correspondent Two Name, who somehow managed to stop sniffling about Andrew Bogut's broken back long enough to provide the analysis below. For the time being, it is posted every Tuesday morning on CH.
So, who do you pay? Ramon Sessions or Charlie Villanueva?
That question came to mind after watching Sessions and Smooth keep the Bucks in the game against Detroit Saturday before falling short. Both guys displayed what seems like unlimited potential against the Pistons, and while it would be nice to have them both again next year with a healthy roster, it probably won’t happen. So, who do you want?
With the Bucks hovering around $69 million in salaries this season ($35.5 million of which is in street clothes), there’s no way the man in the green blazer will break the bank and pay the luxury tax. Both Villanueva and Sessions are restricted free agents, and since they will see extended playing time the rest of the year to showcase their talents, both guys will be looking for a nice pay raise.
Charlie V is making $3.5 million this year and has a qualifying offer for $4.6 million next season. Ramon is making a meager $711,000 this year. I think Villanueva’s name and former draft status carries a little more weight than Ramon’s at this point, so it seems more likely that Charlie V will be the one to command more money and play somewhere else next season. But point guards are hard to come by, so if Sessions keeps impressing, someone with more cash than the Bucks could make a run at him.
This is the time when Danny G’s $14 million over the next two seasons really hits hard. If I had to choose, I would let Big Smooth go and focus on Ramon. I think he’s the point guard of the future and will flourish under the tutelage of Scott Skiles. Villanueva has won me over as the season’s progressed, but I think he’s the type of guy who will get comfortable after signing a big deal.
It’s tough to find a 6-11 player who can shoot, rebound and get to the basket, but it’s even tougher to find a floor leader who is committed to being a pass-first point guard. The Bucks have that in Sessions and need to pay him at year’s end. However, the Bucks do have Luke Ridnour signed through next season, so maybe they could give the reins to Luke and find a point guard in the draft. What do you guys think?
Token move: The Orlando Magic needed a point guard. The Bucks needed someone to play shooting guard. Want to make a deal? In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, Milwaukee acquired Keith Bogans for Ty Lue this week. The Bucks actually drafted Bogans in the second round of the 2003 draft. They traded him on draft night for straight cash, homey. He is averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds this season, but he is known for tough defense, so we got that going for us, which is nice. Hard to believe, but this guy was the SEC player of the year in 2002-2003 at Kentucky. My biggest memory of Bogans is watching D-Wade and the Golden Eagles oust his Wildcats in the Elite 8 in Minneapolis. I was at the game, and I’m sure I yelled some drunken slurs at him at one point or another. Welcome to Milwaukee, bud. I’m sure getting traded from one of the best teams in the East residing in one of the best cities in the country is sitting well with you right now.
So much for that: Past Weekly Bucks Reports have delved into the rigors of the Bucks’ schedule during the first half of the season. I was waiting for things to even out, and just when balance was about to be restored, 60 percent of the starting lineup is in street clothes. Milwaukee has 18 of its next 29 games at home. Unfortunately, those who pay for a ticket will see good effort every night but not enough victories to keep the Bucks in the playoff race. I consider myself to be a big fan, but I won’t be making the trip from Chicago to see Francisco Elson or Danny G start at center or Damon Jones and Bogans share time at the 2-spot.
Player of the week: Sessions was unstoppable against Detroit on Saturday. It seems like every time he has a chance to shine – see last year when the season was in the tank or when Redd got hurt earlier this year – he proves to be a silver lining. It was hard to eclipse his 24-assist performance against Chicago at the end of last season, but Ramon did by single-handedly keeping the Bucks in the game against Detroit. It was nice seeing someone light up A.I. He’s done it enough to us over the years, especially in the BC.
This week: Another slow week has the Bucks hosting Indiana tomorrow night. Then they don’t play until next Tuesday in Detroit. I guess any practice time would be good right now, seeing as Skiles is coaching with what essentially is a new lineup due to injuries.
So, who do you pay? Ramon Sessions or Charlie Villanueva?
That question came to mind after watching Sessions and Smooth keep the Bucks in the game against Detroit Saturday before falling short. Both guys displayed what seems like unlimited potential against the Pistons, and while it would be nice to have them both again next year with a healthy roster, it probably won’t happen. So, who do you want?
With the Bucks hovering around $69 million in salaries this season ($35.5 million of which is in street clothes), there’s no way the man in the green blazer will break the bank and pay the luxury tax. Both Villanueva and Sessions are restricted free agents, and since they will see extended playing time the rest of the year to showcase their talents, both guys will be looking for a nice pay raise.
Charlie V is making $3.5 million this year and has a qualifying offer for $4.6 million next season. Ramon is making a meager $711,000 this year. I think Villanueva’s name and former draft status carries a little more weight than Ramon’s at this point, so it seems more likely that Charlie V will be the one to command more money and play somewhere else next season. But point guards are hard to come by, so if Sessions keeps impressing, someone with more cash than the Bucks could make a run at him.
This is the time when Danny G’s $14 million over the next two seasons really hits hard. If I had to choose, I would let Big Smooth go and focus on Ramon. I think he’s the point guard of the future and will flourish under the tutelage of Scott Skiles. Villanueva has won me over as the season’s progressed, but I think he’s the type of guy who will get comfortable after signing a big deal.
It’s tough to find a 6-11 player who can shoot, rebound and get to the basket, but it’s even tougher to find a floor leader who is committed to being a pass-first point guard. The Bucks have that in Sessions and need to pay him at year’s end. However, the Bucks do have Luke Ridnour signed through next season, so maybe they could give the reins to Luke and find a point guard in the draft. What do you guys think?
Token move: The Orlando Magic needed a point guard. The Bucks needed someone to play shooting guard. Want to make a deal? In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, Milwaukee acquired Keith Bogans for Ty Lue this week. The Bucks actually drafted Bogans in the second round of the 2003 draft. They traded him on draft night for straight cash, homey. He is averaging 5 points and 3 rebounds this season, but he is known for tough defense, so we got that going for us, which is nice. Hard to believe, but this guy was the SEC player of the year in 2002-2003 at Kentucky. My biggest memory of Bogans is watching D-Wade and the Golden Eagles oust his Wildcats in the Elite 8 in Minneapolis. I was at the game, and I’m sure I yelled some drunken slurs at him at one point or another. Welcome to Milwaukee, bud. I’m sure getting traded from one of the best teams in the East residing in one of the best cities in the country is sitting well with you right now.
So much for that: Past Weekly Bucks Reports have delved into the rigors of the Bucks’ schedule during the first half of the season. I was waiting for things to even out, and just when balance was about to be restored, 60 percent of the starting lineup is in street clothes. Milwaukee has 18 of its next 29 games at home. Unfortunately, those who pay for a ticket will see good effort every night but not enough victories to keep the Bucks in the playoff race. I consider myself to be a big fan, but I won’t be making the trip from Chicago to see Francisco Elson or Danny G start at center or Damon Jones and Bogans share time at the 2-spot.
Player of the week: Sessions was unstoppable against Detroit on Saturday. It seems like every time he has a chance to shine – see last year when the season was in the tank or when Redd got hurt earlier this year – he proves to be a silver lining. It was hard to eclipse his 24-assist performance against Chicago at the end of last season, but Ramon did by single-handedly keeping the Bucks in the game against Detroit. It was nice seeing someone light up A.I. He’s done it enough to us over the years, especially in the BC.
This week: Another slow week has the Bucks hosting Indiana tomorrow night. Then they don’t play until next Tuesday in Detroit. I guess any practice time would be good right now, seeing as Skiles is coaching with what essentially is a new lineup due to injuries.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekly Bucks Report - Injury Time!
We're throwing up the Weekly Bucks Report on Monday this week, due to the Michael Redd injury. Let's see what CH correspondent Two Name has to say about the whole ordeal.
And now, starting at guard, 6-foot-3 from Nevada, Ramon Sessions! No wait, from Michigan State, Charlie Bell! Hold that, Damon Jones! One of those three guys will join Luke Ridnour in the starting backcourt the rest of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After Michael Redd tore his ACL and MCL Saturday against the Kings, the Bucks will be without their best scorer and the focus of opposing teams’ defensive game plans for the duration of the season. Paging Andrew Bogut. Paging Richard Jefferson.
Bucks fans had thoughts of a “Big 3” heading into the season with Redd, Bogut and Jefferson leading the way. But with nagging injuries to Redd and Bogut, and now Redd missing the rest of the season, that potentially potent threesome unfortunately never came to fruition. With Bogut getting back into the mix after dealing with back spasms, it’s time for the Aussie and RJ to take this team over.
RJ has been a nice all-around addition for the Bucks, but you can tell he’s taken a backseat to Redd in terms of asserting himself offensively. Bogut, who shoots 57 percent from the floor, needed to be more aggressive when Redd was healthy. Now it’s imperative that he force other teams to double team him and give his teammates open looks at the basket.
Redd is really good at making something happen out of nothing, whether it’s hitting jumpers or driving to the basket and getting fouled. Sessions is not a shooting guard, though he did play OK when paired with Ridnour earlier in the year when Redd hurt his ankle. But guys like Sessions, Bell and D. Jones (I can’t believe he is going to play significant minutes for the Bucks) won’t fill it up unless their teammates put them in good positions to score.
I thought Redd was playing his best basketball of the season lately. He was driving to the basket instead of setting for jumpers, and he has picked up his defense. I’ve been down on Redd in the past, but you can’t deny how big of a loss this is. But now Jefferson needs to be a more powerful perimeter threat and No. 1 or 2 scoring option for the Bucks.
Jefferson’s 17.3 ppg mirrors his career average. But we need to see the slashing, get-to-the-foul-line RJ that led to a 22.6 ppg average last year with the Nets. If Jefferson can pick up his game and Bogut can stay healthy and become more involved with the offense, I still think the Bucks can compete for a playoff spot in the East. Come on, it’s the East.
Of course, Charlie V needs to continue his torrid pace of late, or at least be more consistent on a nightly basis. And whoever plays shooting guard can’t be an afterthought each time out.
Frankly, I’m more worried about how the Bucks will react defensively without Redd. Sessions is too small to guard a formidable 2-guard in the NBA, Bell is banged up and Jones does not play defense whatsoever. That means The Fresh Prince will be defending shooting guards periodically, weakening the Bucks’ interior defense and rebounding.
Milwaukee has a favorable schedule the rest of the season, but losing Redd is going to be the ultimate test of this team’s depth, something that’s been a question mark all season.
Player of the week: Charlie V. The Big Smooth is averaging 19.1 points per game in January and has played outstanding the last four games, dropping 23, 32, 27 and 18 points. The best part of those performances was he had three 10-rebound games during that span, proving he’s willing to bring it on both ends of the floor. You can forget the Charlie V trade talk now that Redd is out for the year. We need his scoring now more than ever.
This week: A bunch of winnable games this week for the Bucks, with or without Redd. Milwaukee travels to Indiana and Toronto before hosting Atlanta Saturday. Have to win 2 of 3 this week, no questions.
And now, starting at guard, 6-foot-3 from Nevada, Ramon Sessions! No wait, from Michigan State, Charlie Bell! Hold that, Damon Jones! One of those three guys will join Luke Ridnour in the starting backcourt the rest of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After Michael Redd tore his ACL and MCL Saturday against the Kings, the Bucks will be without their best scorer and the focus of opposing teams’ defensive game plans for the duration of the season. Paging Andrew Bogut. Paging Richard Jefferson.
Bucks fans had thoughts of a “Big 3” heading into the season with Redd, Bogut and Jefferson leading the way. But with nagging injuries to Redd and Bogut, and now Redd missing the rest of the season, that potentially potent threesome unfortunately never came to fruition. With Bogut getting back into the mix after dealing with back spasms, it’s time for the Aussie and RJ to take this team over.
RJ has been a nice all-around addition for the Bucks, but you can tell he’s taken a backseat to Redd in terms of asserting himself offensively. Bogut, who shoots 57 percent from the floor, needed to be more aggressive when Redd was healthy. Now it’s imperative that he force other teams to double team him and give his teammates open looks at the basket.
Redd is really good at making something happen out of nothing, whether it’s hitting jumpers or driving to the basket and getting fouled. Sessions is not a shooting guard, though he did play OK when paired with Ridnour earlier in the year when Redd hurt his ankle. But guys like Sessions, Bell and D. Jones (I can’t believe he is going to play significant minutes for the Bucks) won’t fill it up unless their teammates put them in good positions to score.
I thought Redd was playing his best basketball of the season lately. He was driving to the basket instead of setting for jumpers, and he has picked up his defense. I’ve been down on Redd in the past, but you can’t deny how big of a loss this is. But now Jefferson needs to be a more powerful perimeter threat and No. 1 or 2 scoring option for the Bucks.
Jefferson’s 17.3 ppg mirrors his career average. But we need to see the slashing, get-to-the-foul-line RJ that led to a 22.6 ppg average last year with the Nets. If Jefferson can pick up his game and Bogut can stay healthy and become more involved with the offense, I still think the Bucks can compete for a playoff spot in the East. Come on, it’s the East.
Of course, Charlie V needs to continue his torrid pace of late, or at least be more consistent on a nightly basis. And whoever plays shooting guard can’t be an afterthought each time out.
Frankly, I’m more worried about how the Bucks will react defensively without Redd. Sessions is too small to guard a formidable 2-guard in the NBA, Bell is banged up and Jones does not play defense whatsoever. That means The Fresh Prince will be defending shooting guards periodically, weakening the Bucks’ interior defense and rebounding.
Milwaukee has a favorable schedule the rest of the season, but losing Redd is going to be the ultimate test of this team’s depth, something that’s been a question mark all season.
Player of the week: Charlie V. The Big Smooth is averaging 19.1 points per game in January and has played outstanding the last four games, dropping 23, 32, 27 and 18 points. The best part of those performances was he had three 10-rebound games during that span, proving he’s willing to bring it on both ends of the floor. You can forget the Charlie V trade talk now that Redd is out for the year. We need his scoring now more than ever.
This week: A bunch of winnable games this week for the Bucks, with or without Redd. Milwaukee travels to Indiana and Toronto before hosting Atlanta Saturday. Have to win 2 of 3 this week, no questions.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Weekly Bucks Report
The Weekly Bucks Report is posted every Tuesday on CH during the NBA season...written by a former WI sportswriter turned FIB magazine writer. He is known only as Two Name.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bucks at this point in the season is, will they make any trades before the mid-February deadline?
The one player who constantly surfaces in these discussions is Charlie Villanueva. If there is a more polarizing player on this team than the Big Smooth, let me know. You can love Charlie V one game and chastise him the next. That up-and-down performance is what I can’t decide exactly how I feel about the guy.
In my first Weekly Bucks Report, I said Villanueva had the most potential of any player on the roster. I still think that’s true. When he wants to play, he is a potential All-Star in this league – remember, players aren’t voted to the All-Star team based on their defense. Last Monday’s game against Toronto was the perfect example of how good Charlie V can be.
Mike Redd scored 35 points that game, but the Bucks would not have won if it weren’t for Villanueva. He scored 25 points, but his impact went beyond scoring. He grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Plus, he fought for loose balls and came up with some big plays not reflected in the box score.
Villanueva has scored 23 points or more in four of the Bucks’ last six games. There’s two ways to look at his recent success: His trade value will never be higher, or the Bucks need to be prepared to pay him after his contract expires at the end of the season. Remember, the guy is only 24 and a former top-10 pick.
I know he’s soft and he might get even softer after he gets paid, but you can’t deny his explosiveness off the bench. It’s hard to find a 6-11 forward who can drop 20 on any given night. I think the only way you trade him is if you get a banging power forward who is young. I don’t want Nick Collison or Chris Wilcox in a straight-up trade for Charlie V. I need something more, especially the way he’s been playing lately.
I’m still split on this, but I’m leaning toward keeping Villanueva and seeing how the year plays out. What do you guys think?
Outside of Villanueva, I really don’t know who else John Hammond would trade on this roster. Ramon Sessions has value and would be attractive for many teams, but I doubt the Bucks would part with him, despite rumors. I think the East is weak enough that if the Bucks continue to improve, they could get out of the seventh or eighth spots – avoiding Boston or Cleveland – and build on some playoff experience.
Bogut returns: Bogut came off the bench against Minnesota after missing four straight games with back spasms. The Bucks split those games in his absence, but a lack of rebounding and a viable threat inside offensively changed the way teams approached the Bucks. Bogut responded nicely with 14 points Saturday on 7-of-8 shooting, but he missed two crucial free throws late in the loss to the T’wolves.
Misleading numbers?: Anybody who watched the Bucks fail to stop the penetrate-and-kick game that led to a ridiculous amount of three-pointers against New Jersey and Minnesota would find this hard to believe, but the Bucks are still hanging around the top-10 in defense. Milwaukee was fifth in the NBA in defense last week and the Bucks have dropped to eighth, as of Sunday. That is an impressive statistic, considering the defensive cloud that hangs over this franchise. But they have work to do after two late lapses allowed one team to get back into the game (New Jersey) and another (Minnesota) to steal a victory.
Player of the week: Without Villanueva and his 25 points, the Bucks never would have beaten Toronto last Monday.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Miami Wednesday before heading to the West Coast to face Sacramento and the Clippers. They need to go 2-1 this week, no questions asked.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bucks at this point in the season is, will they make any trades before the mid-February deadline?
The one player who constantly surfaces in these discussions is Charlie Villanueva. If there is a more polarizing player on this team than the Big Smooth, let me know. You can love Charlie V one game and chastise him the next. That up-and-down performance is what I can’t decide exactly how I feel about the guy.
In my first Weekly Bucks Report, I said Villanueva had the most potential of any player on the roster. I still think that’s true. When he wants to play, he is a potential All-Star in this league – remember, players aren’t voted to the All-Star team based on their defense. Last Monday’s game against Toronto was the perfect example of how good Charlie V can be.
Mike Redd scored 35 points that game, but the Bucks would not have won if it weren’t for Villanueva. He scored 25 points, but his impact went beyond scoring. He grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. Plus, he fought for loose balls and came up with some big plays not reflected in the box score.
Villanueva has scored 23 points or more in four of the Bucks’ last six games. There’s two ways to look at his recent success: His trade value will never be higher, or the Bucks need to be prepared to pay him after his contract expires at the end of the season. Remember, the guy is only 24 and a former top-10 pick.
I know he’s soft and he might get even softer after he gets paid, but you can’t deny his explosiveness off the bench. It’s hard to find a 6-11 forward who can drop 20 on any given night. I think the only way you trade him is if you get a banging power forward who is young. I don’t want Nick Collison or Chris Wilcox in a straight-up trade for Charlie V. I need something more, especially the way he’s been playing lately.
I’m still split on this, but I’m leaning toward keeping Villanueva and seeing how the year plays out. What do you guys think?
Outside of Villanueva, I really don’t know who else John Hammond would trade on this roster. Ramon Sessions has value and would be attractive for many teams, but I doubt the Bucks would part with him, despite rumors. I think the East is weak enough that if the Bucks continue to improve, they could get out of the seventh or eighth spots – avoiding Boston or Cleveland – and build on some playoff experience.
Bogut returns: Bogut came off the bench against Minnesota after missing four straight games with back spasms. The Bucks split those games in his absence, but a lack of rebounding and a viable threat inside offensively changed the way teams approached the Bucks. Bogut responded nicely with 14 points Saturday on 7-of-8 shooting, but he missed two crucial free throws late in the loss to the T’wolves.
Misleading numbers?: Anybody who watched the Bucks fail to stop the penetrate-and-kick game that led to a ridiculous amount of three-pointers against New Jersey and Minnesota would find this hard to believe, but the Bucks are still hanging around the top-10 in defense. Milwaukee was fifth in the NBA in defense last week and the Bucks have dropped to eighth, as of Sunday. That is an impressive statistic, considering the defensive cloud that hangs over this franchise. But they have work to do after two late lapses allowed one team to get back into the game (New Jersey) and another (Minnesota) to steal a victory.
Player of the week: Without Villanueva and his 25 points, the Bucks never would have beaten Toronto last Monday.
This week: Another busy week for the Bucks, as they host Miami Wednesday before heading to the West Coast to face Sacramento and the Clippers. They need to go 2-1 this week, no questions asked.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Chuckie Hacks congratulations!
Chuckie Hacks would like to congratulate one of our favorite lazy Milwaukee Bucks, Charlie Villanueva, for being named "America's most beautiful bald celebrity."
Here's another link with a nice picture of our hairless friend.
Voters all across America have exercised their inalienable rights and have once again proven that bald is indeed beautiful, naming Charlie Villanueva, the inaugural winner of the EAGLE Snacks' THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL(TM) Sweepstakes.
...as a reward for being crowned America's official Bald and Beautiful Winner, Villanueva will also receive a distinguished trophy, honoring his accomplishment.
Allright Charlie! Way to get that trophy!
The interesting thing (I guess) in all this is that Villanueva actually has a condition called Alopecia Areata. So it isn't like he shaves his head or is old enough where he has just lost all his hair. Dude can't grow it. He's got no eyebrows (check out the pic).
So I'm not quite sure if this "contest" was supposed to be some sort of spoof gag (You'd think it is since it's named "The Bald and the Beautiful" and its for some snack company) but Charlie V took it in stride and donated some more money to a Foundation that looks for a cure for his disease.
Hopefully this award will knock his bald ass into a higher gear on the court.
Here's another link with a nice picture of our hairless friend.
Voters all across America have exercised their inalienable rights and have once again proven that bald is indeed beautiful, naming Charlie Villanueva, the inaugural winner of the EAGLE Snacks' THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL(TM) Sweepstakes.
...as a reward for being crowned America's official Bald and Beautiful Winner, Villanueva will also receive a distinguished trophy, honoring his accomplishment.
Allright Charlie! Way to get that trophy!
The interesting thing (I guess) in all this is that Villanueva actually has a condition called Alopecia Areata. So it isn't like he shaves his head or is old enough where he has just lost all his hair. Dude can't grow it. He's got no eyebrows (check out the pic).
So I'm not quite sure if this "contest" was supposed to be some sort of spoof gag (You'd think it is since it's named "The Bald and the Beautiful" and its for some snack company) but Charlie V took it in stride and donated some more money to a Foundation that looks for a cure for his disease.
Hopefully this award will knock his bald ass into a higher gear on the court.
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