30 Teams in 30 Days: Milwaukee Bucks

2007-08 in Review

Record: 26-56
Eastern Conference Seed: 13

Summer Of 2008

Key Additions: Scott Skiles (via coaching change), Richard Jefferson (via trade), Joe Alexander (via draft), Luke Ridnour (via trade), Tyronn Lue (via free agency), Francisco Elson (via free agency), Malik Allen (via free agency), Damon Jones (via trade).

Key Losses: Larry Krystkowiak (via coaching change), Maurice Williams (via trade), Yi Jianlian (via trade), Desmond Mason (via trade), Bobby Simmons (via trade), Royal Ivey (via free agency), Michael Ruffin (via free agency), Jake Voskuhl (via free agency).

For the past couple of years, Bucks fans have expressed their desire for the organization to “blow up” the roster and establish a new attitude. This summer, the low-quantity fan base finally got its wish, as Milwaukee’s 2008 training camp roster consists of just six returning players.

The first big move of the offseason came directly after the 2007-08 regular season had come to a close. In the third week of April, the Bucks replaced head coach Larry Krystkowiak, whose career coaching record stands at 31-69 (.310), with the tough-minded presence of Scott Skiles. The 44-year-old no-nonsense coach was fired by the Chicago Bulls just 25 games into the '07-08 season, but holds a respectable 281-251 (.528) career record.

Having Skiles on the sidelines ensures a new style and attitude for the Bucks. Known as a defensive-oriented coach, Skiles let his new team know from the start that he refuses to settle for poor defense and minimal effort. In fact, he noted that his goal is to turn Milwaukee into one of the most aggressive defensive teams in the league.

He will have his work cut out for him, however, in trying to gel this completely revamped roster together.

The first big roster move made this summer took place on draft night, when the Bucks acquired high-scoring forward Richard Jefferson from New Jersey in exchange for a package of Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

Jefferson holds career averages of 17.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and three assists per game, and averaged a career-high 22.6 points this past season. Pairing the freakishly athletic 6’7’’ swingman with sharpshooter Michael Redd could very well one of the most devastating one-two scoring punches in the Eastern Conference this coming season.

It will not, however, form the one of the most offensively talented trios, as guard Mo Williams was sent packing to Cleveland in a three-team blockbuster that landed the Bucks the services of Luke Ridnour as well as the expiring contracts of Adrian Griffin and Damon Jones.

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