NBA Draft 2011: Why Trading for Stephen Jackson Makes the Bucks Contenders

With Michael Redd being hurt for most of the season, it seemed like the Milwaukee Bucks were one player away from making the push to becoming a playoff team. Center Andrew Bogut and point guard Brandon Jennings led the Bucks last year to a disappointing 35-47 record, with Redd playing in only 10 games all year. 

This draft was essential for the Bucks' future, and I believe they made all the right moves. 

The Bobcats sent top scorer Stephen Jackson, 19th pick Tobias Harris and backup point guard Shaun Livingston to the Bucks while Charlotte got the No. 7 overall pick from Sacramento—Congo's Bismack Biyombo—and forward Corey Maggette from Milwaukee. Milwaukee was a team in desperate need of added scoring and also added guard Beno Udrih from the Kings.

Guard John Salmons went from Milwaukee to Sacramento. The Kings also got the 10th pick from the Bucks: BYU's Jimmer Fredette. 

This move drastically improves the Bucks and gives them that third option they needed last year. With Charlotte, Jackson averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 35.9 minutes.  The Bucks are counting on Jackson to provide solid minutes and serve as a mentor as younger players continue to develop. 

Jackson has had success wherever he has been, and I expect nothing less in Milwaukee. This deal will increase Brandon Jennings assist totals and will give one of their five power forwards someone to dish the ball out to from the post area. 

The Bucks are one of the deepest teams at power forward with the likes of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Larry Sanders, Jon Leuer, Ersan Ilyasova, and veteran Drew Gooden. Anyone of the five could be the opening day starter, which could easily mean a trade could be eminent. 

The Bucks will surprise some people this season, and if Brandon Jennings can spread the wealth and add some scoring input, I have no problem placing this Bucks team as the 6th seed in next years playoffs.