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Redd Holds The Key To The Bucks Future
Authored by Zach Eisendrath - February 27, 2005 - 7:09 pm


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Ray Allen is the reason I didn’t get much sleep on Saturday night. Michael Redd, on the other hand, will be the reason I will be able to sleep soundly from now on. I stayed up late Saturday and woke up bright and early Sunday morning, reflecting on the glorious past of Ray Allen dawning a Milwaukee Bucks uniform. The more I thought about Ray, the more I missed him. Even Larry Harris called shipping Allen to Seattle quite possibly the worst trade to Bucks franchise history. As I sat at the game wondering how the Bucks went from within one shot of the NBA Finals to a lottery team fighting to stay above water, the next 48 minutes of basketball changed me.

We are going to be alright after all. After watching Michael Redd dismantle the Sonics for 35 points, I have come to realize that we may never see Ray Allen in a Bucks uniform, but if there ever is a clone on this planet of Ray, I’m darn sure it’s Michael Redd. Allen and Redd were best friends when they both played together and it is obvious that Ray has rubbed off on Michael. Not only is Michael as swift as Ray on the court, off the court he has been everything a fan can ask of him. Nobody will ever be able to replace Ray Allen in this community and Michael Redd isn’t trying too, he is just trying to be remembered for his own legacy and what his impact will be on this team.

Larry Harris made two franchise changing trades this week. Getting rid of Keith Van Horn’s enormous contract was a blessing. It allows the Bucks to max out Michael Redd if so needed, and also be able to put another piece around the core of the team. On the surface, giving Zendon Hamilton and Mike James away to Houston for Reece Gaines, a couple of future 2nd round picks, and cap room, doesn’t seem like a “franchise changing” move. Think again, getting rid of James’ 7.1 million dollar salary allows for the Bucks to most likely resign young big men Zaza Pachulia and Dan Gadzuric. Both have been putting up solid numbers as of late and have the potential to be dominant players as they progress.

Ray Allen may be the one you can thank for what has transpired of the Bucks, past and present. Without question, Ray will have a lasting impact on this organization. Michael Redd should thank Ray for the max deal he will get this summer if all goes well. Larry Harris was devastated about letting Allen go and is trying to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.

Redd stated this week in the midst of rumors that he wanted to stay in Milwaukee and retire as a Buck. Harris talked to Redd and made sure before the trades that the former all-star guard wouldn’t jet on the team. There is always that small chance he could pull a Carlos Boozer and leave the Bucks dry and head to Cleveland with LeBron James. But then again, of all the former Bucks, who’s word would your rather have than Ray Allen’s protégée, Michael Redd.