They have a very interesting decision to make here. Really, I know most of the people in America could not give a crap about this team. But this is a team that has the potential to look a lot different. You could see a fading superstar moving on. You may have a lady or the tiger decision made with some young talent.
And you have two picks in a weak draft for overall depth. So, there's a lot of reasons to watch what the Bucks are planning on doing.
1) The inevitable Michael Redd trade rumors.
The package is not going to wow the Bucks fan. Not anymore. Maybe they can get a fading superstar in Kirilenko, but it's more likely they get an expiring contract or two in the Etan Thomas and Boobie Gibson phylum. (Redd to NYC for Harrington and Jared Jeffries? Could happen. I don't think the Bucks are going to take a year over the luxury tax, but Redd may be able to be had for less than you think.
2) Who do the Bucks keep?
You have a 24 year old power forward who has been solidly successful in the pros, who has not his athletic prime yet. You also have a 23 year old point guard whose had some massive games in his professional career with a scoring upside. Now, Villanueva is a restricted free agent. Sessions is restricted (as well). The draft class at forward is not that deep. (If Jordan Hill doesn't fall to 10? You aren't going to see them draft B.J. Mullens or Earl Clark.) And Luke Ridnour can be a one-year stopgap if necessary...
3) So who's the point guard?
Suffice it to say, I hope that Jeff Teague goes back to school. He has great skills, but he doesn't have the polish to handle the Scott Skiles experience. I like Eric Maynor and Ty Lawson, but I just don't see them being on an equal level with Sessions. So, if the Bucks choose between Brandon Jennings or Jonny Flynn? I don't see them making a mistake.
4) Or do they try to get in at the end of the round?
Because the third tier of point guards? Darren Collison, Patty Mills, Rodrique Beaubois. Like I said. Deep point guard class.
5) And finally?
Notes to John Hammond: Jerel McNeal in round 2. Or Jack McClinton (as the MONGA in training). Your call.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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2 comments:
Interesting take on the Bucks' draft. Sessions is actually a restricted free agent; Sham Sports and ESPN both have him listed as a RFA, so the Bucks could wait and see what kind of offer sheet he signs and then match it. I think he's Milwaukee's point guard of the future.
I'd love to see Hill at #10, and then they could let Villanueva go, or keep him if they can figure out a way to get under the luxury threshold (by moving Redd or Jefferson).
I got it off a salary sheet. I did not see a qualifying offer, so I assumed that he was unrestricted. My fault. I'll fix it.
But the fact is, the Bucks can absolutely afford to see how the market bears out. With the draft, the economy, and a batch of superstars becoming available in 2010? There's a slight chance that they can duck the luxury tax.
As for Hill? If he fully polishes a mid-range game? He will be highway robbery at 10, and even though I see a lot of Rondo in Jonny Flynn? I would rather have Hill at the 4 and Sessions at the 1, than the alternative.
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