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NBA Season Preview: Q&A with Milwaukee Bucks Examiner, Kris Gilson
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AP Photo/Morry Gash: Bucks' fans expect big things from Jennings.
This is a continuation of our Q&As leading up to the start of the regular season. Check out other Season Previews on my main page. You can also check out Kris’ work on the Bucks, here.
What are your thoughts about the Bucks as the season approaches? How do you feel about their playoff/title chances?
Kris Gilson: I believe the Bucks underperformed last season, due largely to injuries to key players like Bogut and Redd. As the 09-10 season quickly approaches, I don't believe this team is any better than last year's. The additions of Brandon Jennings and Kurt Thomas will help defensively, but neither adds much on the offensive end. The team has added a couple nice offensive pieces in Hakim Warrick and Carlos Delfino, but neither can be counted on to be consistent threats. This team will struggle offensively, leading me to believe it will be no better than last year. They will not make the playoffs.
Do you feel that holes in the roster still need to be addressed, and if so, can they be addressed?
KG: The losses of Charlie Villanueva and Richard Jefferson hurt the offensive side of the ball big time, but they were both defensive liabilities, so I guess their departures simply opened up another hole. The team's biggest needs are at point guard and forward. I can't imagine teams will be threatened by Luke Ridnour, Hakim Warrick, and Luc Mbah a Moute as 3/5 of the starting rotation. Keeping Ramon Sessions would've been nice, but financially, the team just couldn't make it happen. Tough to fill that hole at this point. Perhaps Jennings can become a star point guard, but it's unlikely to happen so quickly.
How you feel they compare with the Celtics, and the rest of the Eastern Conference?
KG: The Celtics are clearly a top team in the East while the Bucks are certainly on the other end of the spectrum. I can see the Bucks finishing last in the Central again.
If the Celtics and Bucks meet in the playoffs, how would you think the Bucks should attack Boston in a 7-game series?
KG: I think winning one or two games in a seven-game series would be a victory in itself for the team. The Celts are better at every position except at center (maybe), and it would certainly come through in a long series.
How do you see Michael Redd performing following his season-ending injury from last year? Is he going to be ready for the season opener?
KG: He recently said he should be fine, and his knee may be even stronger than ever. Redd is obviously a huge part of this team, and it needs him to be healthy for the entire year for them to have any chance at making the playoffs. A healthy Bogut should open up the perimeter for Redd's shooting ability to shine through.
When you see a team like the Celtics making moves over the last few off-seasons, and other teams doing the same this summer, how do fans of the Bucks react?
KG: I don't think they would react any differently if the Pistons, Pacers, or Bulls made the same kinds of moves. The Celtics management thought the best way to construct a team would be to have three superstars anchor the team while drafting/signing players who could potentially become nice complements. That's exactly what they've done with guys like Rondo, House, and Perkins, and all it's done is brought the C's a title. Not too shabby. The Bucks haven't had much success at all drafting recently, and as a result, they haven't been in a position to make it far in the playoffs. I think Bucks fans can look to Boston's GM Danny Ainge and admire what he's done and hope that GM John Hammond can try and implement the same strategy to the organization.
If you could take one player from the Celtics' roster, including that player's contract and all baggage that may or may not come with him, who would you take?
KG: Give me Kevin Garnett 10 of 10 times. He is EXACTLY what the Bucks have longed for. He brings everything to the table in his shooting ability, defense, and leadership.
Overall, what do you feel are the fan expectations for the Bucks for the 2009/2010 season?
KG: The organization seemed to tout the team's relative youth as the biggest plus for last year's team, and I see them doing the same thing this season. Now that Ramon Sessions won't be returning, look for Jennings to be the face of the team for the next few years. The team is basically full of complementary players on a good team, so expecting too much would be foolish. In a league where stars reign supreme, this team really doesn't have any. I think last year's mark of 34-48 is a realistic expectation, give or take a couple games.
Player Votes
KG: 2
Team Votes
Detroit: KG
Milwaukee: KG
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