Milwaukee Bucks Season Preview

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  1. gmanspack

    gmanspack JBB JustBBall Member

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    [​IMG] by Gmanspack

    <font color="DarkGreen"><font size="5">2004-05 Milwaukee Bucks Season Preview</font></font>

    Meet The Bucks

    <font color="Purple">Starting 5</font>

    Center: Dan Gadzuric 6'11 240 UCLA
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    The starting center position is not set in stone, but Terry Porter's most likely choice will be Dan Gadzuric. This is the Flying Dutchman's chance to show the NBA that he could be something more than a career backup hustle player. I would like to have Gadz as a backup PF, which his body more fits. He'll have to learn to contain some of the energy he put out for his 15-20 min per game last year, to have the stamina to play starters minutes. This is definetly a weak point for the Bucks, but considering only a couple of Eastern Conference teams are strong at the Center positon, it shouldn't hurt them terribly.

    Power Forward: Joe Smith 6'10 225 Maryland
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    Smith has finally found a home. He won over Bucks fans last season with his hard work, hustle and determination. I've never seen a Buck bust his balls in the paint before in a long time. Joe definetly shows flashs of the talent that made him the #1 overall pick, but isn't always consistant. I think that Coach Porter has to get Joe more involved with the offense. Joe has the inside skills and hits the outside jump shot reguarly. Most of the time Smith will start the game, get 8-10 pts in the 1st quarter, but then sit out most of the 2nd. If he plays more and gets involved, I think Joe could have a career year.

    Small Forward: Keith Van Horn 6'10 240 Utah
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    When the 2004 season officially tips off, it will be the first time since 2001 that Keith will start the next season with the team he ended the previous season with. Van Horn found it much eaiser to play in the Midwest than out east. He became more consistant with Milwaukee, but once again dissapeared come playoff time. I will cut him some slack there, because he was playing through multiple injuries. There is some pressure on his back, if he doesn't perform, when does Dez get the call to start?

    Shooting Guard: Michael Redd 6'6 215 Ohio St.
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    Last season Redd established himself as one of the NBA's top young stars. Redd has improved in every year of his NBA career, including making the jump from 6th Man to NBA All-Star last season. Also, he is playing for a new contract, so a big season maybe in store. But, he will be facing constant double teams unless Van Horn or someone steps up as another big offensive threat.

    Point Guard: Mike James 6'2 188 Duqesne
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    The Bucks biggest free agent signing wasn't supposed to start at point guard. But with TJ still recovering from surgery, James will step in and start. He will bring a tough, pit-bull mentality to the Bucks, along with great defensive play. He's a decent shooter, but not a great one, but should average double figure scoring. This is his big chance to earn a reputation in the NBA. Mo Williams will be pressuring him.

    Reserves

    SF Marcus Haislip [​IMG] 6'10 230 Tennessee- The dreaded "P" word, Slips got it, but has shown nothing to prove he will be even a good backup in the NBA. He has been awful in the preseason and may even be waived before the season starts.

    SF Toni Kukoc [​IMG]
    6'11 235 Croatia- Resigning Toni was a key move for the Bucks in the offseason. Kukoc brings good passing, defense and shooting along with his great veteran locker room presence and being a fan favorite.

    G-F Desmond Mason [​IMG]" target="_blank">http://www.nba.com/media/act_desmond_mason.jpg"></a> 6'5 222- Fan favorite Dez is poised for a breakout year. He has looked very good in preseason, and has developed an outside jump shot to go with his slashing style. He says he also has worked on his 3 pt shot. 6th man of the Year?

    C Zaur "Zaza" Pachulia [​IMG] 6'11 240 Georgia (Europe) - The Bucks traded their 2nd rd pick to Charlotte to aquire the very young and talented Pachulia. He has looked pretty good in the preseason and showed Bucks fans that he has potential. He will get his chance to prove himself with the Center by committee approach by Porter.

    C Daniel Santiago [​IMG] 7'1 260 St. Vincent- Big Dan has offensive skills, but is a stiff. He has no quickness at all. He doesn't rebound well for a big man. But, playing in the Olympics has got him into shape (lost a lot of weight) and may have a decent season, if he gets playing time.

    G Erick Strickland [​IMG] 6'3 210 Nebraska- Strick can score, no question about it. When given the chance, he has put up some points. Porter looks at him more as a SG, than a PG because he tends to hog the ball way to much when he was in and had a lot of turnovers. He is one of the teams captains and veterans, and will see some PT as a backup guard.

    PG Maurice "Mo" Williams [​IMG] 6'5 195 Alabama- Brought here by his best friend TJ Ford, Willams has the potential to become a very good NBA player. With the injury to Ford, Williams will get his chance to play 20-25 minutes a game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mo eventually starting over James, if Ford misses the season.

    Injuries

    PG TJ Ford [​IMG] 6'0 165 Texas- Ford is still recovering from spinal surgery that ended his season last year. The Bucks are really keeping his recovery secret, and release very little information. As of now, he is out idefinetly.

    PF Zendon Hamilton [​IMG] 6'11 240 St. John's- Hamilton is recovering from knee surgery and will miss around 6 weeks. When he comes back, he will likely backup Joe Smith.

    Season Outlook

    The injury to TJ Ford really hurts this team. With him, they were a 4 seed out East, and wouldn't have had to play Detroit in round one. He completly changes the teams tempo, and scoring ability. If he returns, The Bucks have a chance to be a top 5 Eastern Conference team. If he misses the season, or the majority of it, I see them finishing around 42-40 or 41-41. They will still make the playoffs, at a 6-8 seed.
     

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