The Loss of Michael Redd: What it Means to The Bucks...and the Rest of the NBA

As I'm sure many have heard, Milwaukee Bucks’ shooting guard Michael Redd tore his ACL and MCL last night, and is out for the rest of the year.

The Olympian's injury not only hampers Milwaukee's playoff hopes, but has significant implications on the remainder of the season, as well as the 2009 and 2010 offseasons.

To replace Redd, Skiles may turn to a backcourt combination that pairs the team's top two point guards, Luke Ridnour and Ramon Sessions. In limited playing time, Sessions has shown the ability to score in bunches. While there is no way he can match Redd's offensive explosiveness and consistency, he appears to be the best option.

For this year's Bucks, currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference (22-25), the loss of their leading scorer (21.2 PPG) is a huge blow to their chances of making the playoffs; a disappointing result for both first-year coach Scott Skiles and first-year GM John Hammond. The sweet-shooting lefty was not only knocking down threes, but giving effort on defense, buying into Skiles’ preaching.

(For more on how this affects the Bucks for this year, see Adam Lindemer's article.)

The more significant implications of the Redd injury, at least in terms of an NBA Championship, deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and their competitors at the top of the Eastern Conference.

For years now—ever since he almost signed their as a free agent in the 2005 offseason—a Michael Redd-to-Cleveland transaction has been the subject of many trade rumors. Redd, a lights-out shooter from three, would be the perfect complement to Cavs star LeBron James, making teams pay for collapsing on James as he drives to the bucket. 

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Vote Now! - Author Poll

Who would look better in a Cavs uniform?

Results - Author Poll

Who would look better in a Cavs uniform?

• Michael Redd

  36.6%

• Vince Carter

  41.5%

• Shawn Marion

  22.0%
• Total votes: 41

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