2007 Milwaukee Bucks NBA Season Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks were one of the worst teams hit with injuries last season. They lost star guard Michael Redd for 29 games, centers Andrew Bogut for 16 games and Dan Gadzuric for 28 games, Bobby Simmons for the entire season, Charlie Villanueva for 42 games and point guard Mo Williams for 14 games. They're hoping to be healthier this season, as they have the talent to be more competitive.
Andrew Bogut should have a solid season. They really ought to run the offense through him more on the block. With shooters like Michael Redd, there's no reason he can't be more productive offensively, especially with his passing ability.
Drafting Chinese phenom Yi (pronounced "E") Jianlian was a suspect move. Yi's handlers made it very clear they did not want him going to Milwaukee, preferring a larger market for his talents with more of an Asian community. They even refused to work out in front of Bucks' staff. Yet, this didn't dissuade the Bucks from drafting the seven foot forward. Now, Yi's holding out and rumoredly refusing to play next season if he doesn't get traded. What's even more puzzling is that with Villanueva already in the lineup, Yi doesn't seem to be a good fit. What the team really needs is interior toughness to balance with Bogut's finesse style of game. Yi is a face up player who is often compared to Pau Gasol. He has great potential, but is far from the bruiser they should be looking for.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Andrew Bogut 13.6 ppg, 9.2 rbpg (back up: Dan Gadzuric)
- Power Forward: Charlie Villanueva 13.5 ppg, 5.6 rbpg (back up: Yi Jianlian)
- Small Forward: Desmond Mason 11.8 ppg, 4.4 rbpg (back up: Bobby Simmons)
- Point Guard: Mo Williams 14.6 ppg, 4.9 apg (back up: Charlie Bell)
- Shooting Guard: Michael Redd 27.3 ppg, 4.1 rbpg (back up: Lynn Greer)
Key Losses
With the addition of Mason and with Simmons already in the lineup, the Bucks probably won't re-sign Ruben Patterson, despite a solid season last year where he averaged 14.7 ppg and 5.4 rbpg. Also, Earl Boykins has gone to greener pastures.
Key Additions
The Bucks get back Desmond Mason, who should provide additional athleticm on the perimeter. Moreover, if they can ever get draft pick Yi signed, they'll have a great prospect at the forward spot too.
Team Rumors
No rumors to note.
Prediction
The Bucks can't possibly get as hurt as they did last season. If they do, they'll be one of the worst teams in the league. Still, the Eastern Conference has improved and Milwaukee's still young. Expect some injuries to slow them down, but they'll still win a few more games than last season. Expect a record of 30-52, or slightly better. It won't be good enough to make the playoffs. If they are able to stay completely healthy throughout the season, they may win as many as 38-44 games and be playoff contenders. However, after last season's injuries, that's still a big question mark.
Fantasy Spin
Provided the Bucks' players can stay healthy, there are numerous guys on the team's roster whom fantasy owners might consider in their fantasy drafts.
Michael Redd doesn't do a whole lot across the stat sheet, but he's an excellent scorer with great shooting percentages and will provide a high volume of three pointers made with a pretty low cost to turnovers. He's a great top thirty to forty pick for teams in leagues with turnovers factored, especially if your team is in dire need of a scorer.
Andrew Bogut won't be a bad gamble later in the draft. If he stays healthy, expect him to continue to improve.
Charlie Villanueva is a big question mark. He's a great talent, but his work ethic is always in question and he's a high injury risk.
Mo Williams had a phenomenal season last year, but keep in mind he was playing for a contract. Don't expect the same numbers from him this year. He might be worth picking up late in fantasy drafts.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
