Well, the Bucks lost again last night, this time to the NJ Nets. I knew this team was not going to be as good as last year's squad, not without T.J. Ford (the little engine that could). He wasn't the best PG out there, but he was quick as hell, pushed the offense and played good defense, thus setting the tone for the entire offense. His style worked for this team, got other players looks, and gave them energy. They were 29-27 with him and are 25-38 without him. Their perimeter defense is awful as opposing PG eat them up. His status that he "might" play next year and the fact that 1 hard hit in the lane could put him out for good means that the Bucks have to either draft a new PG, or go out in the offseason and sign one.
The Bucks are going to be in great salary cap shape in the offseason with Van Horn's obscene contract going away along with other dead $ from players not with the team. They will have around $20 million or more to spend, and Mason and Redd are locked up already for several more years. I fully expect Van Horn to be gone and the Bucks go after a big name, tough PF (I'd love to get Fortson, although he will probably stay with Seattle, also Abdur-Rahim would be a nice inside addition). For a PG, McInnis could be lured away from Cleveland and this would bring a nice 1-2 punch while limiting Ford's minutes. The Bucks should be able to sign Gadzuric, he is really starting to blossom and he's one of my favorites on the team.
I'll just have to suffer through this season and wait for next year. With a couple of good additions, this team could easily be a top 5 Eastern Conference team next year.
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