The latter part of this week found Milwaukee’s basketball team getting more national coverage then usual, albeit more for speculative storylines than actual on-court performance. The games had a mixture of surprise, disappointment and wackiness. Much of the news broke with yours truly away on day-job business, so here’s a blog-style recap of major developments:
Jennings left off All -Star team
The Young Buck was not named a reserve by Eastern Conference coaches despite worthy numbers. Full disclosure: In an era in which these games are glorified exhibitions, I find All-Star debates largely meaningless. But since they happen anyway, Jennings has a right to be a bit miffed, but not enraged. You could make a case for his selection over Deron Williams of the pathetic but equally undermanned Nets. Williams was the only player from a losing team to make the East squad, but has a higher scoring average than Jennings and is certainly the more proven player. Jennings had dazzling games against the Knicks and Heat, among others, to enter the conversation. But perhaps the fact that he played Wile E. Coyote to Derrick Rose and Steve Nash’s Road Runner in successive games justifies the decision.
Jennings' future in Milwaukee
The player the Bucks envision as the key building block for the next decade should use the perceived All-star slight as motivation to improve, not an opening to discuss the possibility of free agency. Sure, he was just responding to a question from ESPN’s Chris Broussard about something that can’t happen for two years anyway and could be squelched by Jennings himself this summer. But as is often the case with stories such as this, Jennings could have avoided the whole thing with a clichéd answer about his focus being on his current team winning.
My intent here is not to condemn Jennings for his honesty, but I do question the timing and completely agree with the assessment of general manager John Hammond. Jennings has every right to explore big markets, but must improve significantly if he expects Hammond’s colleagues to regard him the same way they do LeBron, Paul, etc. One has always suspected Jennings might want to play in New York, be has nothing to gain by fueling such discussion now, even though the Bucks haven’t been ruled out of his future plans. I wouldn’t rule out a further “I’m happy here” statement from Jennings soon.
The Jackson mystery
Unlike Jennings, it’s clear Stephen Jackson isn’t happy. But I’m done making grand declarations about the notorious malcontent. Jackson had 12 points in 30 unexpected minutes Tuesday as coach Scott Skiles went to him for a “spark” in the unfinished comeback against Phoenix. The veteran’s play drew measured praise from the coach, who rewarded him with 33 more minutes Wednesday. There have been reports of Jackson asking for a trade (likely true, since he won’t admit to having open communication with the coaches) and wanting a contract extension to stay (an absurd notion). Jackson posted 10 points and five assists in 23 minutes in Friday’s overtime win in Cleveland. Whatever ultimately happens, this situation may remain in flux all season unless Hammond can find a trading partner before the March 15 deadline.
Crazy contests
The Bucks host Orlando Saturday and should return home feeling good after two straight road wins. The Bucks vanquished a rare zone defense to escape Toronto, then survived a foul-plagued nail-biter in Cleveland. This comes after their personal Kryptonite, the Phoenix Suns, burned them yet again. At least they don’t play them again this season.
The Bucks typically struggle with the Magic and must hope Orlando’s shooters aren’t hot. Only then will they have a chance to be Dwight Howard’s Kryptonite for the evening.
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