| Bucks Should Consider Trading Down With Charlotte Authored by Kevin Robitaille - May 26, 2005 - 2:58 am
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After shocking the league two years ago with a surprise playoff run, an injury riddled campaign negated that progress.
With their star player, Michael Redd, entering free agency with a win or else ultimatum, the Bucks are in a position eerily reminiscent of the Orlando Magic last year.
Will they Buck the trend and grab a player who will provide an immediate impact, or will they follow in the footsteps of the Magic and select the best player regardless of how it will affect Redd’s decision?
The Bucks’ greatest need is at power forward, but there isn’t anyone at the position worth selecting first overall.
The emergence of Maurice Williams and the likely return of TJ Ford seem to eliminate Wake Forest’s Chris Paul from consideration.
Of the remaining prospects, Utah’s Andrew Bogut, and North Carolina’s Marvin Williams seem to have separated themselves from the field.
It wouldn’t be an NBA Draft without using the tantalizing word potential, and Williams is far superior to Bogut in that regard. However, the problem with potential and upside is that it does very little for a team in the short term. Williams may eventually be able to add the necessary strength to play power forward, but he will spend the foreseeable future on the perimeter.
The immediate impact Williams offers is probably not an upgrade over current starter, Desmond Mason. Also worth mentioning, is the striking resemblance of Marvin Williams’ game to longtime Milwaukee disappointment and underachiever, Tim Thomas – Marvin’s disappearance during the final four was all to familiar to the lackluster and uninspired play of Thomas.
Bogut, on the other hand, could provide an immediate upgrade over the Bucks’ current center rotation of Dan Gadzuric and Zaza Pachulia. However, despite being restricted free agents this summer, both players flashed enough potential to be solid contributors for years to come. Hurting Bogut’s chances with the Bucks is the up tempo style of play favored by Terry Porter, and best suited for point guard TJ Ford.
Perhaps a trade is in the best interest of the Bucks. If they could slide down a few positions, and gain another pick they would be better equipped to address their needs. The most obvious trade partner appears to be Charlotte.
The Bobcats were the most unfortunate victims of the lottery, dropping out of the critical top three to the fifth pick. With eyes on Marvin Williams and Chris Paul, it’s extremely unlikely either will still be on the board for Charlotte. Depending upon how the team grades Illinois’ Deron Williams, the Bobcats may be willing to part with the thirteenth overall pick to move atop the board.
Such a trade would Milwaukee to address their need at power forward by selecting Fran Vasquez or Chris Taft with the fifth pick, and the luxury of adding frontcourt depth, Channing Frye, Joey Graham, Martell Webster, and Charlie Villanueva are a few of the names they should have to choose from with the thirteenth pick.
If Milwaukee learned anything from Orlando, they’ll do whatever is in their power to retain Michael Redd. Dwight Howard appears to have a bright future ahead of him, but Tracy McGrady has the Rockets on the verge of competing for a championship.
You simply cannot afford to replace an all-star player with the future potential of a lottery pick. |
