State of the Cap: Milwaukee Bucks

[headliner]

2006/07 Milwaukee Bucks Payroll: $60 million
2006/07 Estimated NBA Salary Cap: $52 million
Roughly: $8 million over cap

The Good: Many people criticized the Bucks for giving Michael Redd a max contract, claiming that he wasn't worth the money. All he did this year was increase his scoring average for a sixth consecutive season to 25.4 points per game, good for 9th in the league. He also set a career high for assists with 3 per game and shot a respectable 45% from the field and nearly 40% from the three-point line. Not only is Redd one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league, but he is also very hard working and a class act off the court. Milwaukee knows that Redd is worth every penny.

Despite the success of Chris Paul and Charlie Villanueva, the Bucks couldn't be happier with the rookie season of Andrew Bogut. The Aussie big man averaged 9.4 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes while sharing time with veterans Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith. He even placed fifth in the entire league in field goal shooting at 53%. Bogut's passing skills and intelligent play is really what turned some heads this season. Bogut tallied 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10 of 13 shooting in a recent game. That kind of potential has Milwaukee very excited. The team will be able to watch Andrew develop over the next three seasons for about $5 million per year.

The best news of the year for Milwaukee was the triumphant return of point guard T.J. Ford. This was Ford's first full season in the NBA after his scary neck injury, which basically meant it was his rookie year all over again. Ford averaged 12 points and 6.6 assists this year and showed no ill effects from his injury. Becoming a good point guard in the NBA takes a long time, and T.J. certainly has a lot to learn about his decision-making. With time and experience, Ford looks like he can become an excellent point guard. The Bucks only have him for one more season at $2.9 million, but it is likely that the team will give him an extension.

The Bad: With the arrival of Jamaal Magloire, Dan Gadzuric's contract extension became very bloated. There wasn't much wrong with the way Gadzuric played, he simply couldn't get enough minutes to earn his contract. More than $30 million over the next five years is too much money to play him only 12 minutes a game. The logjam at center will have to clear up before Dan can earn his salary.

It was a surprise when Bobby Simmons signed with the Bucks for 5 years and $47 million dollars. It was a surprise for the Bucks when Simmons didn't play as well as they'd hoped. Simmons was an excellent role player this year who contributed in a lot of areas. He guarded the opposing team's best scorer so Michael Redd could spend his energy on offense. He also shot 42% from the three-point line and was the team's second leading scorer. However, Milwaukee was hoping for more than 13.4 points per game from him. Simmons must improve his scoring average to be worth that kind of money.

The Future: Milwaukee improved by 10 wins this year and made the playoffs, a nice improvement from last season. However, with the talent level the Bucks had, they probably should have finished a few games over .500 and in the 5th seed instead of 2 games under .500 and in the 8th seed. The Bucks were one of the deepest teams in the league with players like Mo Williams, Joe Smith, Charlie Bell, and Gadzuric coming off the bench. But, injuries and inconsistent play doomed this team. A lot of that responsibility falls on first-year coach Terry Stotts. If Milwaukee starts slow next season, Stotts will be in hot water. They have too much talent to not be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

One move the Bucks should (and probably will) make is to trade Jamaal Magloire. True, Magloire is a presence inside who rebounds well and goes strong to the hoop. However, anyone watching a Bucks game this year could tell that Jamaal isn't a good defender, doesn't block many shots, and is a black hole on offense (the ball goes in but it doesn't come out). With Magloire's size, he is highly coveted around the league and could fetch an active, shot-blocking power forward that the Bucks need. Since Magloire only has one more year on his contract, Milwaukee might have to trade him or risk gaining nothing from the Desmond Mason trade.

Bonus Points? if they do not resign Toni Kukoc. The guy has to be the worst defensive player in the league. Plus, he is a turnover waiting to happen on offense. The old man is finished and needs to retire immediately.

Grade: B-[/b]

http://www.nbadraft.net/2006stateoft...lwaukee001.asp