Bucks Preseason by the Numbers

Here are the Bucks preseason Eff48 numbers, which, since NBA.com isn't providing them, I had to calculate on my own, boxscore by boxscore. I think it was worth it. They are illuminating.

Bucks Eff48 Preseason Rankings

Mo Williams................27.76

Redd............................27.55

Bell..............................25.09

Patterson....................24.20

Illyasova......................21.85

Villanueva.....................20.68

Markota........................20.26

Skinner..........................18.55

Noel.................................15.17

Gadzuric..........................14.69

Blake.................................14.31

Greer.................................13.84

OBSERVATIONS

-- this list shows why its folly to make eyeball judgments based on traditional statistics. Last week I said Redd, Patterson, and Noel were the only ones playing well. In fact, I completely overlooked excellent camps being turned in by Mo Williams, and in particular Charlie Bell. Bell is really filling up the stat sheets. On the flip side, after a surprisingly fast beginning, Noel has trailed off badly. Last night he did nothing at all in about 28 minutes of action. He has been completely passed at the 3 spot by a surging Ersan Illyasova.

-- In the battle for the starting point guard position, Mo Williams, despite some nagging injuries, has scored a decisive victory over newcomer Steve Blake. Williams numbers are exceptional and have been fairly consistent. Blake, who is reputed to be a slow starter, has lived up to his reputation. He has had one good game and has been awful in the rest.

-- Here's a head scratcher. According to the Journal-Sentinel the Bucks are pleased with the play of Skinner-Gadzuric. The operative question is "huh?" Both of them have been absolutely awful. Particularly disturbing is the falloff in Gadzuric's play. A consistent career +26 Eff48 scorer, suddenly he's fallen way down to the midteens, a place centers should never occupy. His problem is he suddenly can't find the basket. He is a career +55% shooter but this camp he's down near 38%. I'm telling you, life without Kukoc and Ford is going to be rough for the Dutchman. No more bunnies, and he can't shoot a lick. Skinner at least is trending upward.

-- This Markota kid is making the most of his garbage minutes. He's fairly productive without being spectacular.

-- If Greer didn't have the one outstanding game, his Eff48 would be microscopic. As it is, it sucks. He looks like a wasted signing. I'll bet the Bucks wish they could keep the kid from Maryland instead.

-- I'm beginning to see the criticism of Villanueva. He'll have really productive games sandwiched in between completely nonproductive games. He's got too much talent to be so inconsistent. Its time for his teammates to properly motivate him, soapbar in the towel, "Full Metal Jacket" style). Just kidding. But they should feed him some cannibal sandwiches or something.

Photo Credit: Patrick Ferron, Associated Press