Author: Eric VanderPass
The Milwaukee Bucks are about three quarters of the way through the 2013-14 season and have yet to win back to back games. That lack of winning streak remains intact as the Bucks were routed by the visiting Sacramento Kings. This should put to rest the notion that the Bucks are in danger of losing ping pong balls in the lottery.
Brandon Knight
The Bucks were again paced by Brandon Knight who continues to be a pleasant surprise and a strong candidate for league’s most improved player. Looking back on the trade that sent Brandon Jennings to Detroit, the Bucks absolutely fleeced the Pistons getting both Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton in exchange. Not surprisingly, Joe Dumars will soon find himself joining the rest of Detroit in the unemployment line.
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan Ilyasova came back down to earth Wednesday night after his 31 point eruption against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Both Ilyasova and Zaza Pachulia had trouble with the size of the Kings all night. Larry Drew refused to put together a lineup that could counter the physicality or athleticism of Sacramento. Ersan did have a nice moment when he shoved the King’s Reggie Evans to the floor out of frustration. I’m sure Ersan was provoked by Evans. This is the same guy that grabbed Chris Kamen’s nuts trying to grab a rebound. I’d like to tell you that this is the last we see of Ilyasova and Pachulia starting together, but that’s only wishful thinking. Ugh.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton struggled to hit shots Wednesday night as he shot 2 for 12 from the field, but he did manage to shoot 2 for 4 from beyond the arc. Middleton has done an incredible job of replacing both Mike Dunleavy on offense, and Luc Mbah a Moute on defense. If Khris Middleton commits to his offseason, he has the physical tools and potential to become a special player in this league.
NATE WOLTERS
Nate Wolters had some trouble initiating the Bucks offense against the Kings. He did shoot well, going 4 for 6 from the field including a couple of his patented floaters. Wolters seemed a bit out of sync with Brandon Knight. Having to share back court minutes with Ramon Sessions and OJ Mayo isn’t helping. I get that those two need to play because you can’t play Wolters and Knight 48 minutes a night, but Larry Drew can do a better job of pairing his backcourt rotation together.
JOHN HENSON
John Henson has been in a funk for a few weeks. Lacking any sort of polish or discipline on his shots in the post, and struggling at the free throw line. Wednesday night was a little more of the same as Henson was unable to do anything on either end of the court. With Larry Sanders missing extended time, John Henson needs to be starting over Zaza Pachulia.
JEFF ADRIEN
Jeff Adrien is the tough presence on the court that the Bucks have been missing since Kurt Thomas during the “Fear the Deer” run of 2010. The only Milwaukee Bucks player on Wednesday that was able to battle with the big men of Sacramento. Adrien scored a career high 15 points.
OJ MAYO
Cheeseburger enthusiast. Played 20 minutes. Scored 9 points.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
The “Greek Freak” seems to have hit the rookie wall a week or two before the All Star weekend. He has had a few of his signature highlight reel plays every game, but he hasn’t really been a game changer. Maybe his impact would be different with more minutes but who are you starting him in place of? On the bright side, Giannis was complimented by King’s center Demarcus Cousins. For those who are familiar with Cousins, praise from him is pretty uncommon.
RAMON SESSIONS
Ramon Sessions is a nice guard to have coming off of the bench, just not on this team. A veteran point guard doesn’t really have a place on the league’s worst team. The Bucks would have been better off turning Sessions into a 2nd round pick or at the very least buying out his contract. No offense to Mr. Sessions.
ZAZA PACHULIA
Zaza shouldn’t be starting games. He’s a decent backup big man with great court vision, but he can’t match the length and athleticism of starting centers in the NBA. I understand that the Bucks are battling injuries but if John Henson is a part of your future front court, why is he not in the starting lineup when healthy? Pachulia was embarrassed Wednesday night by Demarcus Cousins and Joey Crawford.
MIROSLAV RADULJICA
Miroslav has been stuck at the end of the Bucks bench since the calendar turned to 2014. Raduljica played 4 minutes, tallying just 2 assists.
TONY MITCHELL
Tony Mitchell signed a 10 day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell didn’t enter the game until garbage time, logging 3 minutes, scoring 2 points with 1 rebound.
Our next Bucks article will be breaking down potential Buck’s draft picks in both 1st and 2nd rounds.
The Milwaukee Bucks are about three quarters of the way through the 2013-14 season and have yet to win back to back games. That lack of winning streak remains intact as the Bucks were routed by the visiting Sacramento Kings. This should put to rest the notion that the Bucks are in danger of losing ping pong balls in the lottery.
Brandon Knight
The Bucks were again paced by Brandon Knight who continues to be a pleasant surprise and a strong candidate for league’s most improved player. Looking back on the trade that sent Brandon Jennings to Detroit, the Bucks absolutely fleeced the Pistons getting both Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton in exchange. Not surprisingly, Joe Dumars will soon find himself joining the rest of Detroit in the unemployment line.
Ersan Ilyasova
Ersan Ilyasova came back down to earth Wednesday night after his 31 point eruption against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Both Ilyasova and Zaza Pachulia had trouble with the size of the Kings all night. Larry Drew refused to put together a lineup that could counter the physicality or athleticism of Sacramento. Ersan did have a nice moment when he shoved the King’s Reggie Evans to the floor out of frustration. I’m sure Ersan was provoked by Evans. This is the same guy that grabbed Chris Kamen’s nuts trying to grab a rebound. I’d like to tell you that this is the last we see of Ilyasova and Pachulia starting together, but that’s only wishful thinking. Ugh.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton struggled to hit shots Wednesday night as he shot 2 for 12 from the field, but he did manage to shoot 2 for 4 from beyond the arc. Middleton has done an incredible job of replacing both Mike Dunleavy on offense, and Luc Mbah a Moute on defense. If Khris Middleton commits to his offseason, he has the physical tools and potential to become a special player in this league.
NATE WOLTERS
Nate Wolters had some trouble initiating the Bucks offense against the Kings. He did shoot well, going 4 for 6 from the field including a couple of his patented floaters. Wolters seemed a bit out of sync with Brandon Knight. Having to share back court minutes with Ramon Sessions and OJ Mayo isn’t helping. I get that those two need to play because you can’t play Wolters and Knight 48 minutes a night, but Larry Drew can do a better job of pairing his backcourt rotation together.
JOHN HENSON
John Henson has been in a funk for a few weeks. Lacking any sort of polish or discipline on his shots in the post, and struggling at the free throw line. Wednesday night was a little more of the same as Henson was unable to do anything on either end of the court. With Larry Sanders missing extended time, John Henson needs to be starting over Zaza Pachulia.
JEFF ADRIEN
Jeff Adrien is the tough presence on the court that the Bucks have been missing since Kurt Thomas during the “Fear the Deer” run of 2010. The only Milwaukee Bucks player on Wednesday that was able to battle with the big men of Sacramento. Adrien scored a career high 15 points.
OJ MAYO
Cheeseburger enthusiast. Played 20 minutes. Scored 9 points.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
The “Greek Freak” seems to have hit the rookie wall a week or two before the All Star weekend. He has had a few of his signature highlight reel plays every game, but he hasn’t really been a game changer. Maybe his impact would be different with more minutes but who are you starting him in place of? On the bright side, Giannis was complimented by King’s center Demarcus Cousins. For those who are familiar with Cousins, praise from him is pretty uncommon.
RAMON SESSIONS
Ramon Sessions is a nice guard to have coming off of the bench, just not on this team. A veteran point guard doesn’t really have a place on the league’s worst team. The Bucks would have been better off turning Sessions into a 2nd round pick or at the very least buying out his contract. No offense to Mr. Sessions.
ZAZA PACHULIA
Zaza shouldn’t be starting games. He’s a decent backup big man with great court vision, but he can’t match the length and athleticism of starting centers in the NBA. I understand that the Bucks are battling injuries but if John Henson is a part of your future front court, why is he not in the starting lineup when healthy? Pachulia was embarrassed Wednesday night by Demarcus Cousins and Joey Crawford.
MIROSLAV RADULJICA
Miroslav has been stuck at the end of the Bucks bench since the calendar turned to 2014. Raduljica played 4 minutes, tallying just 2 assists.
TONY MITCHELL
Tony Mitchell signed a 10 day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell didn’t enter the game until garbage time, logging 3 minutes, scoring 2 points with 1 rebound.
Our next Bucks article will be breaking down potential Buck’s draft picks in both 1st and 2nd rounds.