Every team across the NBA has players they’ve given up on way too soon; the Milwaukee Bucks certainly are not alone in this regard.
However, the Bucks certainly have made plenty of head-scratching decisions regarding some of their players within the past century. Whether it was due to fit, role, financial reasons, or just bad management, let us look at seven players the Milwaukee Bucks gave up on way too soon. *This is not in order, just a collection of key names that fit the billing.
No. 7 – Mo Williams
After spending his rookie season with the Utah Jazz, Mo Williams signed an offer sheet with the Bucks and joined them for the 2004-05 season. With T.J. Ford injured, Williams saw a bigger role with the Bucks and played extremely well. Over the following three seasons, Williams started to really come into his own and become a tremendous point guard. Yet, in 2008, Williams was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending his tenure with the Bucks.
Immediately following the trade, Williams had one of his best seasons and was named an All-Star for the Cavaliers. That certainly stung for the Bucks, especially as none of the pieces in the trade that sent Williams to the Cavaliers became major contributors. Over the next few years, Williams bounced around the NBA but provided steady point guard play at every single stop.
One can only imagine how things would have transpired if the Bucks had kept Williams for much longer. He could have become a fan favorite of that era of Bucks basketball among the likes of Michael Redd or Brandon Jennings.