Weekly Buck Points Volume I
This is the first in my weekly series of postings I will be putting up every Sunday or Monday for the next couple of weeks. Beginning with training camp on October 1st, when the action starts to heat up, I will begin daily postings.
Bogut Comes on Strong Against Team USA
Bucks C Andrew Bogut struggled early in the World Championships, but certainly came on late. He had his very best game against the very best competition, Team USA. In that game he posted an impressive Eff48 of 32.23, his highest production of the tournament. The game actually had another bright spot for Antlerheads -- the Aussies lost. That means Bogut can rest his tired, and sometimes heavy-looking, legs. He looked a bit worn down at times. Its to be expected. He had a long NBA rookie season, followed by a very active off-season on the international scene. Time for him to get tanned, rested, and ready for the coming NBA campaign.
The World favors Havlicek Ball... will the '06-'07 Bucks?
If you ever watch the NBA All-Star games from the 1970s, the ones that feature players like Jerry West, Rick Barry, Dave Bing, Doug Collins, Walt Frazier, and John Havlicek, its obvious they played a radically different style of basketball than the Association does today. Their style was "cut-pass-shoot" motion basketball, whereas the NBA of today is ruled by the hegemonic "clear out" isolation game. Both styles are on display at the World Championships... the World plays old school, Team USA sticks to the new.
I think the old style may be more effective -- its certainly more pleasing to watch. Sure, there aren't as many dunks or streetball type one-on-one moves, but there is much more energy, much less standing around, and much more respect for the pass. The entire team stays more actively involved on offense, which leads to a more balanced attack.
If Team USA loses, it won't be because the World has matched their talent (the gap is still quite wide) it will be because they play a more effective style. And given the makeup of the Bucks roster, I have a sneaking suspicion the boys in Red and Green might be playing Havlicek ball themselves. Turn back the clock.
The Coming Storm
Sooner or later the Bucks and the Milwaukee community have to resolve the Bradley Center issue. The Bucks have long contended that they cannot survive on the revenue generated by the BC, and I tend to think they are right. The question is: what is the alternative? A new facility would solve the problem, but where is the money for that going to come from? I doubt it will be the taxpayers, that well was effectively dried up by the Brewers and Packers. It will have to come from Corporate Milwaukee in partnership with the team. It better happen soon. If it doesn't, the Bucks may be on the move.
posted by Ty Will @ Sunday, August 27, 2006
3 Comments:
Sky.....I watched that Bogut/USA game....he played ok. But to me, he was no different than the player we saw last year. Advanced like Sabonis in some respects, primitive like Big Country Reeves in other respects.
I'm just not expecting huge improvement in him this season by virtue of him being bigger, faster, stronger, etc. I'm hoping he'll be more effective at Center and with Charlie V. as his wingman.
Bogut to me appears to be a bit bigger project than we thought. He's got to grow older and stronger before his play makes a big leap forward. I think he can do it, but it's not a given IMO.
Who are you saying sucks? Not Pressey. He speaking the truth, and knows his s*&t.
If you mean me, well, that's self-evident.
Also saw the Aussie/US game. Bogut looked OK but was stymied early by picking up his third foul therefore taking away any defensive presence he may have incorporated. He hit a three.
The true measure of Bogut is not comparable in the international game as it is in the NBA. The amount Bogut brings, and will always bring, to the Bucks will be contingent to the players that surround him. He needs people to constantly move, opening up his superior passing game. He needs another post up threat to take away the double teams he seems to have such problems with. He also needs another defensive stopper, one that puts the original hand in the face of the shooter so he can block the shot coming from the weak side.
All in all, he needs a team. He will never be a load carrying center, one that leads a team in scoring, rebounding, blocks, etc. What he can and, I think, will be, is a truly gifted passing center that makes good reads in going to the hoop and finishing, a tenecious rebounder when he focuses on it, and a damn good teammate.
The Bucks have made some great off-season moves to address all the issues I have just mentioned. Patterson especially will benefit from Boguts ability to get the ball to a slasher as will CV.
Again, the true measure of Andrew Bogut will be as a Milwaukee Buck, not as a superstar.
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