Official Milwaukee Bucks Thread

[Jing]

Wow interesting Matthew, any new material lately?

I've read from sources that David Stern is finally stepping in and forcing team Yi to allow Yi to sign with the Bucks, which aint bad at all.

[Matthew]

Don't get pissy at me because you fucked up.

[Jing]

Way to point out a typo.

Something back on topic, here is the article that Ty-Land and I referred to earlier:

LAS VEGAS -- On a day when this city was overrun with weddings, the NBA apparently was trying to arrange one of its own.

The buzz around the Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday was that Bucks and top draft pick Yi Jianlian appeared to be inching closer to a marriage -- thanks in part to the possible intervention of David Stern.

"I've heard he wants to get this resolved," said one Eastern Conference GM who wished to remain anonymous. "I'm not sure what he can do exactly, but I do know he has ways of getting what he wants."

Attempts to reach the NBA were unsuccessful. Bucks GM Larry Harris, who was in the stands to watch Yi and his Chinese national team play the Kings in Saturday night's late game, declined to comment on the speculation.

Harris did say, however, that he was optimistic Yi would be in a Bucks uniform. He and coach Larry Krystkowiak met with the 7-foot prospect on Thursday at a Las Vegas hotel in hopes of convincing him that Milwaukee would be a good fit. They presented Yi with a Bucks jersey and other team gear.

"It went well. Now we just have to wait and see," Harris said.

Yi, the No. 6 overall pick in last month's draft, has not said yet whether he will play in Milwaukee. His representatives have said they would prefer their client play in a bigger market, one with a large Asian population. They reportedly have asked for a trade.

The consensus among GMs seemed to be that Yi would end up in Milwaukee since both sides had too much at stake for any other outcome. The NBA has an obvious interest in protecting smaller-market teams from being shunned by draft picks. The Chinese government needs their young star in the NBA so that he's more ready to help his national team compete at the '08 Beijing Olympics.

If Stern were to get involved, he could wield considerable muscle. He could help assuage Yi's representatives that their client will get fair exposure in terms of marketing, for example. He also could talk to the Chinese government, since the NBA is heavily involved in promoting basketball in China and is planning to start a pro league there after the Olympics.

Meanwhile, unlike all those superstitious couples who tied the knot on 7-7-07, Yi didn't find much luck on the court Saturday night.

Perhaps worn out from a busy week, he missed his first seven shots and finished just 2-of-14 from the floor as his Chinese squad got rocked 73-47 by the Kings. Yi finished with nine points and seven rebounds, while Sacramento rookie center Spencer Hawes (19 and seven) stole the spotlight in his pro debut.

[Matthew]

Way to quote needlessly.

As for the article, it doesn't say much except that Asian players are no different to American's. Imagine the backlash if Durant did this to Seattle.

[-Young Buck-]

ESPN Insider - Rumor Central: Yi to force way to Sacramento?

What is this about? Anyone know? Could it be a trade to Sac for Mike Bibby? Maybe Bibby and Reef for Yi and someone else?

[Ty-Land]

NYK and Miami looking at sign and trade options for Mo William. If we make a deal with NY we better get Balkman or Lee. Miami it better be Wright, Posey, Haslem or J-Will.

With the Yi to Sac-town, we better salary dump and get a pick back. I don't want Bibby, would take the risk with Artest.

Bucks are apparently interested in Singleton. I think he would be a very good pick up, as long as he doesn't steal minutes from Ersan.

[-Young Buck-]

Lynn Greer has been doing good in summer league. I know that doesnt mean alot, but he also had some good games during last season.
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/pla ... lynn_greer

To be honest i think we would be just fine with bell and greer at pg, with sessions as a 3rd string. Sign and trade Mo to the knicks for David Lee.

[The X]

the Knicks wouldn't do that trade....they have a shoot first PG in Marbury, they just got rid of one in Francis & they have a miniature sized one in Nate Robinson, they definitely don't need Mo Williams....I'd like to see Mo Williams move on to Miami, but that's just me I guess....

if the Bucks did get Lee, I'd love it a bit too much....Bogut & Lee on the same team, too ridiculous to happen....

as for Lynn Greer, yeah, he's a pretty nifty player....I remember watching him back in the day for John Chaney's Temple squad....

[-Young Buck-]

Mo Williams will be returning to the Milwaukee Bucks after agreeing in principle to a six-year, $52 million contract, ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan has learned.

Well looks like we are keeping him.

I hope we still add another player though. We lost boykins, patterson, and right now all we got back was Yi and Sessions.

[Jing]

Damn, 8.6 Million a year for Mo? Truthfully I haven't followed the Bucks organization long (since Yi was drafted), but that seems like a decent contract for 17.3 points and 6.1 assists. David Noel has been playing pretty good in the summer league though, had 18 in that loss to Boston last night.

[Indy]

Hey Young Buck/Ty Land, what do you think of Ersan Ilyasova? He was obviously very raw last year, but I actually see some potential there. He was extremely impressive in a couple games against the Pacers. There are so many euros that can shoot, but he seems to have the moxy and confidence to be a pretty good NBA player. Definitley needs to gain some muscle mass though.

[-Young Buck-]

I think he was good, he could take charges, hit easy shots around the rim, was active around the rim. His shot is good, sometimes he pump fakes too much which hurts him. But he is still really young. It would be nice to see the bucks lock him into a long term deal. Personally i am rooting for him to come back and make some impact. Right now we could use him at backup SF if charilie backups Yi and Noah backups redd.

[Ty-Land]

Hey Young Buck/Ty Land, what do you think of Ersan Ilyasova? He was obviously very raw last year, but I actually see some potential there. He was extremely impressive in a couple games against the Pacers. There are so many euros that can shoot, but he seems to have the moxy and confidence to be a pretty good NBA player. Definitley needs to gain some muscle mass though.

Only 20 years old and has a ton of potential. Has put on 25lbs of muscle so far this offseason. Solid defender, suprisingly athletic for a Euro players, god Bball IQ, good outside shot, hustles on the glass and takes charges like Bogut.

Bucks have offered him a multi year contract, probably 3 years/ 10 mil. He has got some offers from Europe, but the Bucks are very determined to get him back as he is a project they have developed.

Larry K see's him as a 4/3 who can stretch the D. Been compared to Horry on a few occasions.

One of my favourite players on the squad, and a guy who is going to be a decent player in this league, or even something quite special.

[-Young Buck-]

what has ersan been doing this summer? Shouldnt he be in a summer league, unless he is over seas playing.?

[Ty-Land]

what has ersan been doing this summer? Shouldnt he be in a summer league, unless he is over seas playing.?

Preparing to play for the Turkey national team.

Also, in really really shit news. Looks like Ersan might be playing in Europe for a year or 2. Rumour has it he is going to sign with Barcelona. While this sucks, i'm all for it if he intends to come back to play for the Bucks in a year or 2 and is only going to Europe to develop his game and get some well deserved playing time. The Bcks will still hold his rights in this scenario, and won't have to pay any costs for his continued development.

Please Ersan come back, either now or in the future.

[-Young Buck-]

I just read on hoopshype that Desmond Mason is close to signing with the bucks, ilyasova is going over seas, and we are still trying to resign Bell and SKinner.

Desmond Mason, i thnk this is good. We need that 3rd SG/SF to come in when Redd or Simmons isnt playing, unless Mase will start and simmons comes off the bench. Add Noel to that who has been good in summer league and thats a nice 4 man rotation.

Ilyasova, looks like we wont get him back, which sucks because he was one of my favorite bucks.

Bell and Skinner, Bell is a must resign, Skinner on the other hand, not too thrilled about but he does bring that banger body and defence that we need.

Overall, We are looking pretty good, with a starting lineup of Bogut, Yi, Mason, Redd, Mo with backups Skinner, Villa, Simmons, Bell. If Yi comes to milwaukee and puts up 10-15ppg that would be great. I hope Villanueva finds himself too. This team has a good shot to make the playoffs if they stay healthy.

[-Young Buck-]

Veteran center Jake Voskuhl has reached agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year, $3 million contract, ESPN.com has learned.

Wow, we couldnt find anyone better for 3 million?

[Ty-Land]

Veteran center Jake Voskuhl has reached agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year, $3 million contract, ESPN.com has learned.

Wow, we couldnt find anyone better for 3 million?

Why didn't we just offer the same to Magloire but a longer deal?

I'm not thrilled by the signing, but for $3 million I'm even less then impressed. But we do need a 3rd string C, so it looks like Skinner won't be coming back.

[The X]

Veteran center Jake Voskuhl has reached agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year, $3 million contract, ESPN.com has learned.

Wow, we couldnt find anyone better for 3 million?

Why didn't we just offer the same to Magloire but a longer deal?

I'm not thrilled by the signing, but for $3 million I'm even less then impressed. But we do need a 3rd string C, so it looks like Skinner won't be coming back.

I like the signing....Voskuhl is good for the team....he will rebound, set screens aplenty for Redd & Mo Williams....a bit pricey, he's worth no more than $2 mill a year, but I like the signing more than if they signed Magloire who would expect to be more than a backup....it's only one year deal so no big deal....more backup for Bogut & so on....

[---]

ESPN: "Former Charlotte Bobcat center Jake Voskuhl signed a one year, three million dollar deal with the Milwaukee Bucks today, giving the Bucks a solid bigman off the bench."

Yi's Handlers: "... Another tall guy!? Larry Harris must be retarded! Does he have any idea how badly this could stunt Yi's growth as a basketball player!? Yi, pack your bags."


Jake Voskuhl fun fact - At 6-11, he blocked 24 shots in a total of 1,043 minutes this season. Amazing.

[Jing]

wow... where has Voskuhl been the last... 6 or something years... I remember following his UConn team when they beat Elton Brand's Dukies... he disappeared after that, but he didn't do anything on the Huskies either. I am personally suprised to see his name pop up here.. Didn't he do a stint with the Suns or some shit. He sucks.

[-Young Buck-]

Brian Skinner wants more then 3 mil a season? I would rather have Skinner back.

[Ty-Land]

Skinner wanted a contract at MLE price. Way too much, but I would have given him 4 or possible 5.

The only positive with Jake is, apparently, he is one of the best screen setters in the NBA and has a very high BBall IQ. Both are things this team has been lacking. As long as he isn't racking up minutes, but comes in when necessary and gets the job done then I guess I am ok with this deal now.

Great offseason though. Have cap space, so we go out and get ... Mason and Voskul. Our draft pick doesn't want to play with us, and we lose Ilyasova to play overseas for 2 years. Only positive is we didn't lose Mo Williams, otherwise this team may have well started packing its bags for Kansas City or Vegas.

[-Young Buck-]

Yeah mason and Voskul isnt Billups, Wallace, or even Peterson, but hell its a good addition anyway. Well thats if Mason actually signs. But last year we were a good team, just injured, so even with mason added i think we will be better this year. Adding Yi or whatever we trade him for if we go that way will only be additional help. We need to get more focus on Bogut and giving him options scoring the ball, or passing it out of double teams. I dont really think signing a big star is going to change the team that much, we just needed a coach that would utilize the players we already have to their full potential. Bogut and Charlie both have potential to score 15-20 ppg, Redd 25-30 ppg. Mason, Bell, and simmons can score 10-20 a game, we have the players. We just need the system, and we especially need the defence. Terry Stotts did a bad job running this team, lets hope Coach K can do better.

[benji]

Mason and Voskuhl are terrible signings. Mason the last two years has been one of the most hurtful players in the league.

Signing Voskuhl is another example of NBA GMs going for a crappy known player instead of taking a chance on the probably 20+ NBDL players better than Voskuhl.

The high end of your point production is very unrealistic (especially Mason) as you expect those six guys to produce 130 points a game. Consider that (in order) last season they scored per 40 minutes: 14.3, 18.8, 27.8, 16.0, 15.6, 15.8. They aren't all going to play 40 minutes, and they need to share the ball with each other.

Assuming 1.07 points per possession, you'd need the team to play at a pace of 121.5. Which would be like the 1960s. Even using the middle values for each group (17.5, 27.5, 15) just those six players would need a pace of 100.5. And that's forgetting Williams who's going to use 20 or so possessions a game.

The low end is far more realistic: Redd at 25, Charlie V at 15, Bogut at 13, Mason, Bell and Simmons around 10. Williams at 15-17. That's a 100 points a game from seven guys.

At least it's not like Bulls fans back in the day on ESPN Message Boards..."i expek Cury wil get 30/15, Chandlur wil get 25/25, J Williamz with 30/6/12"