It’s a shame the “mainstream” doesn’t pay more attention to the Milwaukee Bucks. The franchise’s rich history holds enough merit on its own, but when you mix in the ongoing state of affairs (on and off the court), the casual observer is missing out.
South Beach supporters are no different, even Pacquiao and Mayweather were too busy exchanging numbers to notice that the Bucks were in the building.
Playing the background might reside as a reality, one the collective group of Bucks’ fans have become accustomed to, but the fight for notoriety must go on.
Whether it’s patiently waiting for the last 10 minutes of NBA Gametime to catch the highlights, or an out-of-towner having to purchase League Pass to get their fix — it’s time for a change.
Chicago, L.A., and to a lower extent, Memphis, are all brand-name markets; the initial intentions of Thursday night’s schedule are understood. But if the Knicks can be ousted from TNT time-slots, so can one of the so-called major players.
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Besides, one might think that a matchup between the rambunctious Bucks and the better-days-ahead Orlando Magic would provide a hell of a lot more entertainment value as opposed to the competition facing the powers that be.
Yours truly is part of that minority. A cult following is sure to follow. One can dare to dream.
Yes, a 15-point drubbing took place. Along with the Lakers pulling out the upset. However, history was made Thursday, as the Bucks’ ended a 17-game slide on Orlando soil, ending a decade’s worth of disappointment.
Point is: the notion of this tilt was welcome enough.
A movement is brewing in Milwaukee, and it’s more than just the popularity of Wisconsin’s finest Premium Lager or Craft Beer.
Future Stability: On The Court
Standout stats heading into Orlando:
- Opponents Field Goal Percentage: .436 (Tied for fourth)
- Defensive Rating: 102.4 (Ranked fifth)
- True Shooting Percentage: 54.5 (Ranked 10th)
- Effective Field Goal Percentage: 50.8 (Ranked ninth)
- Assists Per Game: 23.5 (Ranked seventh)
- Steals Per Game: 9.4 (Ranked fourth)
- Bench Scoring Per Game: 43.8 (Ranked second)
Jason Kidd‘s mindset of team defense has brought the Bucks’ to new heights. That cohesiveness, and downright relentless efforts have now begun to spill over to the offensive end.
With seven players hitting the double-figure mark vs. the Magic, and the business-as-usual bench outscoring the counterparts of the Heat 54-13, let’s just refer to them as Atlanta’s long-lost stepchild moving forward.
To be fair, there is a reason the Bucks have hovered around the .500 mark for the entire first half. Faults will not be glossed over:
Coming into Thursday:
- Turnovers Per Game: 16.2 (Ranked third)
- Rebounds Per Game: 41.1 (Ranked 25th)
- Opponents Total Offensive Rebounds: 532 (Ranked sixth)
- To shed some light on the O-board struggles: the mighty Warriors of Golden State slot in at no.5, and Eastern juggernaut Chicago, sits in the three spot.
Dub City’s elite firepower from the outside, and Chi-town’s otherwise steady paint presence have masked their deficiencies. This only offers hope that the Bucks might be able to hide their weakness for longer than expected — an advancement past the first round is looming.
If only the league’s Drug Policy was governed by the state of Colorado. The NBA is a better place when Larry Sanders is an active participant.
Future Stability: Off The Court
Does a future without photoshopped images of Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo sporting Seattle across their chest exist? … Googling the latest Bucks’ news has proven to be a risky proposition in the past.
Well, the pressing issue of building a new arena came to the forefront earlier this week. If you’re late to the party, here’s the video presentation of Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker, and his $220 million funding plan:
The highlights:
- Starting in 2017 (when the Bucks’ lease runs its course) the State of Wisconsin would lose $9.3 million annually if the Bucks were relocated.
- The proposed plan of using NBA player taxes to help raise the $220 million.
- Growth is expected due to the league’s sparkling $24 billion television deal set to begin in 2016.
- Then combining those finances with the $150 million said to be brought in by new owners Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens, with the already pledged $100 million of former owner Herb Kohl.
- Without additional funding, $470 million will come up short in the long run, but at least the discussion has turned into an opportunity to stay in Milwaukee.
Side note: There is not another city in professional sports more deserving of a basketball franchise than Seattle. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook should be bringing down the house at Key Arena on a nightly basis as we speak.
But if justice is ever claimed, even Seattle’s hardcore wouldn’t want a robbery of another city’s devoted fan base to take place. That feeling hits too close to home.
The Bucks’ 27th ranked attendance is not a proper representation, even if they do play fifth-fiddle in their own backyard.
To the citizens of Milwaukee: It’s time to stand up! League-average status would suffice. An emerald and gold uniform is not how this story is supposed to end.
The Present: Up next
Milwaukee comes home and puts their two-game winning streak to the test against the Portland Trail Blazers in a head-on collision between fellow All-Star snubs. The growing rivalry with Toronto, and a battle vs. the Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers lurk in the backdrop.
Brandon Knight could sneak his way in as Dwyane Wade‘s replacement. As for Damian Lillard, the Kyle Lowry treatment of last season has reared its ugly head.
Last but not least, the anticipation of the Greek Freak showcasing his skill-set in the upcoming Rising Stars Challenge is about to come to fruition. Not to mention what he has in store for the Slam Dunk competition.
Let’s face it, the recent track record of All-Star weekend is of the farce variety. But look on the bright side, at least it’s not the abomination that is, the Pro Bowl. Set your DVR’s accordingly.