Milwaukee Bucks: Moving Forward with Andrew Bogut, Brandon Jennings

Rewind the clock back 12 months and pundits were toying with the idea that the Bucks could be giant-killers of the East.

A late season surge had led the Bucks to the 2010 playoffs, and Milwaukee had taken Atlanta to seven games without the reinvigorated Andrew Bogut.

Now, there appears to be more questions than there are answers.

At their best, the Bucks are very good. They even knocked off the Lakers at Staples Center. But can they be contenders?

If Bogut stays healthy?

If Jennings takes his game to a new level?

If Stephen Jackson fits the mold?

Here, we break down the cavalry, and find the answers.

Note: Due to the current NBA lockout situation, only players contracted for the 2011-12 NBA Season are considered.

A-Graders

None

Sure, there's potential.

If Bogut hadn't been consistently hampered by injury, he could be there by now. But the fact of the matter is, he's not. And Brandon Jennings has a long way to go.

When it comes down to the final possession, there's no guarantee anyone's getting that last shot, which tells you something.

The Bucks are short on star power.

B-Graders

Andrew Bogut

Brandon Jennings

Stephen Jackson

We know the Bucks play good defense. But next season, there might just be enough offensive firepower on the floor to string a few victories together.

Bogut and Jennings will need to alleviate their chronic injury battles in order to take their games to a new level.

Plays a Role

Keyon Dooling

Carlos Delfino

Ersan Ilyasova

Luc Mbah a Moute

Beno Udrih

Drew Gooden

Herein lies the Bucks' biggest problem.

Too many role players and not enough guys who get the job done on a regular basis. Delfino and Ilyasova can both be very good on their day, but lack consistency. I like Mbah a Moute's game a lot, and he could be much more than just a role player in time.

Making Up the Numbers

Jon Brockman

Larry Sanders

Shaun Livingston

Livingston's contract is the only one of concern for the Bucks.

The 6'7'' point guard is due $3.5 million in 2011-12, and his injury problems have left him with little explosiveness.

Perhaps the change of scenery will do him some good, but I don't see this one working out for the Bucks.

Verdict

Best Case Scenario

Bogut stays healthy, Jennings takes his game to a new level and the Bucks grab the fifth seed in the East. Jackson's experience guides the Bucks past the first round before falling to Miami or Chicago.

Worst Case Scenario

Injuries take their toll, and talk of Jennings wanting out causes disharmony among fans and coaching staff alike.

Prediction

Bucks are again scrambling for one of the last seeds in the East and are knocked out 4-0 by the Heat in the postseason.