Posted by:
gwoelfel on
December 20, 2007 at
1:02AM CST
BY GERY WOELFEL
MILWAUKEE – If you’re a Milwaukee Bucks fan and you’re frustrated, you aren’t alone.
Even Bucks star guard Michael Redd acknowledged he’s thoroughly frustrated as well.
Redd, usualy even-keeled and soft-spoken, was noticeably upset on a couple of occasions Wednesday night at the Bradley Center, where the Bucks lost to the Sacramento Kings 102-89.
It was the Bucks’ second straight loss, their third in four games and seventh in nine games.
When it became apparent the Bucks were going to lose to the Kings late in the game, an angry Redd kicked the table at courtside while walking toward the Bucks’ bench.
Then, a short time later, Redd, an exceptional free throw shooter who entered the game shooting 89 percent from the line, missed his first free throw and his second and his third.
I asked Redd in the locker room afterward if he had ever missed three straight free throws in a game.
“Never,’’ he said emphatically.
As frustrated as Redd was on the court, though, he was even more upset in the morgue-like Bucks’ locker room.
When he asked if the Bucks were perhaps tired – they had played 14 games since Nov. 27 – Redd said that was indeed the case. Yet Redd wasn’t about to use that as a cop-out.
“It’s frustrating,’’ Redd began. “I’m just tired of excuses. I’m tired of losing. I’m tired of playing for the eighth spot in the playoffs. I want to win.’’
Redd then took a deep breath and added, “We got to stay together. We can’t separate.’’
But Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak, whose frustrations mirrored those of Redd’s, strongly hinted there could be a separation of the starting lineup.
Krystkowiak indicated he wanted a stronger defensive influence at the start of the game and added the Bucks’ defensive breakdowns started at the “point of attack.’’
Krystkowiak wouldn’t disclose what he had in mind, but his comments could be construed that he is considering replacing starting point guard Mo Williams.
Williams has had issues on defense during his career and he did again Wednesday night against point guard Beno Udrih, who was unemployed until the Kings – desperate for a point guard -- signed him as a free agent just before the season. Udrih finished with 24 points – 10 above his average.
But as tempted as Krystkowiak might be to shake things up, this isn’t the time to do it. The young Bucks need to weather the storm and grow from this -- especially Williams who has the potential to be an outstanding point guard.
The Bucks aren’t even a third of the way through their regular-season schedule. This isn't the time to panic.
Posted by: brewpackman on December 20, 2007 9:59PM CST
I'm truly surprised to not see some type of cheap shot at Ted Thompson worked into this article, Gery. What amazes me even more is what a suck-up you are to the Bucks organization. If the Packers had started the season the way the Bucks have, you would be saying what a mistake it was in hiring TT, and calling for him to be fired. Instead we get this whole "don't panic" column. How much leiniency is Larry Harris going to get? I know he is a very personable guy having watched a game in a box with him last year, but it is becoming clear that he sucks as a general manager. He is constantly tinkering with the roster and falls in love with players who have flashes of brilliance but no consistency (Villanueva,Simmons,Williams). This is a failing organization in a failing league, and being that you are the "insider" it makes sense why you do not want the fans bailing on them. They are all you have. Merry Christmas to all and GO PACKERS!!!!
Man reading your articles Gery is like reading Mad magazine. Are the Bucks the only team that you can write about. So let's see, if the Packers were say 2-4 would you be calling for Thompson's head, McCarthy, Favre and hitting the panic button? Gery you continue to disappoint, keep it up!
Posted by: unklchuk on December 29, 2007 9:25AM CST
Info, you can get coverage on your favorite teams all over the place. Gery is the only one who provides decent coverage on the Bucks.
My question is: has this blog been replaced by something else? Not much action here...
Posted by: brewpackman on January 1, 2008 12:12AM CST
Does a 45 point loss make you want the panic button pushed down or slammed down? It is clearly time for a trade to get rid of at least one of these big contracts. Larry Harris better not have a job at the end of this season!!!!!
Posted by: Ted Thompson on January 2, 2008 9:18AM CST
The Bucks stink. Thank God we have that "mediocre" team, as you put it Gery, in the Green Bay Packers. It will be nice to watch them in the playoffs instead of watching the Bucks tank it only a 3rd of the way into the season. Tell me one move the your favoite GM has done to improve the Bucks? I like Yi, but outside of that this team is awful. Keep up the brown nosing, maybe they will let you sit on the bench for their next loss.
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