Is Brandon Jennings Already Calling the Shots in Milwaukee?

kevin roberts by Senior Writer Written on June 29, 2009
NEW YORK - JUNE 25:  NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the tenth overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks,  Brandon Jennings during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

With the 10th overall selection in last Thursday's NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks either took a strong step forward to becoming an elite team or added a cancerous locker-room presence.

Truth be told, Jennings ran his mouth quite a bit leading up to the draft. He has also let his opinion be known in interviews since being taken by Milwaukee in the first round.

He's referred to Luke Ridnour as a backup. He talks down the Knicks, Chris Duhon, and even Ricky Rubio.

He says they don't have a chance.

He said before he came to Milwaukee that he thought the city was boring, simply based on what a few other people had said.

Simply put, he's a teenager.

Jennings has an electric handle, superstar athleticism, and all the potential in the world.

At the same time, he's ultra raw, and his attitude already has bust written all over him.

Still, character concerns or not, is his talent so good that it won't matter how he acts or what he says?

Probably not.

We've seen it before, and quite frankly, it won't be going away anytime soon.

This is a kid who has exceptional ability, no doubt, but where do you draw the line?

When is he still a young kid who has a lot to learn and needs to be put in his place by his new team, and when is he a rising star who can do whatever he wants?

While he clearly should be somewhere in the middle, it's unfortunately obvious that he believes he is superior to everyone else in the league.

Without a lot of rationale or discretion, it's going to be interesting to see if Jennings can handle Scott Skiles' system.

Yes, he's athletic, but can he lock down the opposing point guard? Can he play defense for 48 minutes? Can he effectively lead an offense?

Jennings was half-right when he said Ridnour would be a backup. The truth is, with Milwaukee trying to retain Ramon Sessions, Ridnour may have simply served a one-year stint like Richard Jefferson.

His days are likely numbered if Sessions returns.

As long as the money invested in Sessions isn't ridiculous, Jennings could be the likely starter for the coming season.

But how do you know whether to get excited or not?

Jennings himself said that Rubio wasn't good enough to be a star in the NBA, yet it's extremely arguable that Rubio is a better point guard—and maybe even overall talent—than Jennings.

If that's even close to being true, wouldn't Jennings be a high-risk player?

The answer is a resounding yes.

With the draft only less than a week old, we could still be looking at a lot of change for both Milwaukee and Jennings.

Considering the Bucks originally had Jonny Flynn pegged as "their guy," and Minnesota has an interesting duo of both Rubio and Flynn, a trade wouldn't be out of the question.

In fact, a three-team trade involving the Knicks is a real possibility that few people are looking into. Rubio could wind up where he is "meant" to play—on a big stage, in a fast-paced offense.

Jennings would take over and be the immediate star at either guard spot, and Flynn would come into Milwaukee as Skiles' perfect combo point guard.

That, or Jennings already has a stronghold on the Bucks front office, and they're too enamored with him to change anything.

However, for the sake of the franchise, they should at least think about shaking things up again.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Will Jennings be a star in the NBA?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Yeah, but not in Milwaukee
  • He'll end up back overseas
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Will Jennings be a star in the NBA?

  • Yes

    34.8%
  • No

    34.8%
  • Yeah, but not in Milwaukee

    15.2%
  • He'll end up back overseas

    15.2%
  • Total votes: 132
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written on June 29, 2009 Opinion

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