| Bucks Lose Zaza Pachulia To Atlanta Authored by Serge Yusim - August 9, 2005 - 1:08 pm
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Zaza was drafted 42nd overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2003 draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11 minutes of playing time. Pachulia also became a fan favorite in Orlando, bringing energy and hustle off the bench every time he stepped onto the court. Inexplicably, the following summer he was left unprotected by the inept Orlando management in the expansion draft and ended up getting picked by Charlotte. Harris, however, was able to snatch Pachulia away from the Bobcats for a mere 2nd rounder.
Last year, in his second season in the league, Zaza showed remarkable improvement from his rookie campaign. He nearly doubled his scoring output as well as averaging two more rebounds per game. Pachulia also shot considerably better from both the field and the charity stripe, increasing his field goal percentage from 38.9% to 45.2% and his free throw percentage from 64.4% to 74.6%. Many times during the season, he displayed quick footwork in the post, often burning his defender with a spin move to the basket. Zaza also showed a nice touch on his midrange jumper towards the
end of the season.
Yet, despite stating that he considers Pachulia to be the Bucks power forward of the future, Harris ultimately decided against matching the offer sheet.
Why? It seems likely that after paying over $90 million to keep Redd, $47 million to sign Simmons, and $36 million to re-sign Gadzuric, Bucks owner, Senator Herb Kohl, decided that he was done spending big for the summer. Shelling out extra $16 million to retain Pachulia’s services was simply not in his plans. Now, it is up to Harris to find a suitable replacement. The Bucks are still expected to waive Calvin Booth using the amnesty clause in the new collective bargaining agreement which will allow them to save over $13 million in luxury tax payments. And even though both Bobby Simmons and the newly re-signed Toni Kukoc are capable of playing the power forward position in short spurts, Milwaukee will need to sign another big man to help the trio of Smith, Bogut, and, Gadzuric.
In the past, Harris has demonstrated a knack for signing solid rotation players on the cheap. Last August, he was able to sign Mo Williams to a three-year, $5.5 million deal. Harris also inked Brian Skinner to a three-year, $5 million contract and got a steal in Damon Jones, getting him to join the Bucks for the minimum in July of 2003. So, whom will Larry target this offseason? Well, there are a few forward-centers out there who are still available.
The Bucks can elect to bring back Marcus Fizer, who filled in nicely last season during the injury-plagued campaign. In 54 games in Milwaukee Fizer averaged 6.2 points on 46% shooting to go along with 3.2 rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench. The burly power forward can score inside and out, either bullying his way inside for easy buckets or stepping out and hitting a midrange jumper. There are, however, some concerns about his attitude. Fizer is known to be a selfish offensive player and can also be disruptive in the locker room.
Another option would be bringing back Ervin Johnson, who played with the Bucks for five seasons from 1998 to 2003. The 37-year-old Johnson can bring in some much needed veteran leadership and savvy. Despite his age, Johnson is still a decent rebounder and shot blocker that can be had for the veteran’s minimum.
After drafting Sean May and trading for Jake Voskuhl, the Bobcats currently have five players in their front court. That means that Malik Allen, an unrestricted free agent, will be available for the Bucks to pursue. A hard worker with a nice touch from the outside, Allen just might be the backup power forward the Bucks are looking for.
Finally, there is Brian Grant, who is expected to be released by the Lakers under the amnesty provision. An 11-year veteran, Grant is a gritty rebounder and a solid defender who can consistently nail the 15-18 footer. However, it is unlikely that he’d be willing to come to Milwaukee, opting to join a team that is more ready to contend instead.
Regardless of who ends up being Joe Smith’s and Andrew Bogut’s backup next season, Bucks’ faithful must not forget that despite losing Pachulia to the Hawks, Milwaukee has still put together one of the best
offseasons in the NBA. With the additions of Bogut and
Simmons, and the return of T.J. Ford, the Bucks should be one of the most exciting teams in the league next season. And even though Milwaukee, being the small market that it is, continues to get snubbed by the national media and will not play a single game on ABC, ESPN, or TNT next year, the city and the fans will learn to appreciate the hard-working Bucks. Perhaps then, the Bucks will once again become “Our Team - Our Town.” |
