Milwaukee Bucks 2013–2014

[fondybrewfan]

I would probably be sad that they left but I don't think I would be devasted or anytihng. I haven't been to a game in many years and only casually watch on TV. But it is a WI team that I could get excited about if they ever got good and if there is a new shiny arena built I would at least think about going to games again. But before any of that they need to solve the product on the court. I just don't see any new arena being built until there is some tangible improvement on the court. If they still suck I don't think "Build it and they will come" is going to apply. It will be MIL's version of the Marlins.

[brwrsfan]

For those opposed to a new stadium, it would likely be almost entirely private sector funds. Whats wrong with that? I don't see how a new, state of the art facility in the area would be a bad thing. Plus it keeps a professional team here, like them or not, that's good for the city of Milwaukee IMO.

[adamb100]

People are opposed to a new arena because we aren't finished paying for the one we just built. There is also the usual opposition of paying for a millionaire to make more money. Also the Bucks haven't been playoff contenders in over 10 years and people don't want to build new stadiums for bad teams.

[DHonks]

fondy, Herb was long ago nicknamed "the Dairy Queen of Wisconsin." To be honest, I was shocked when Tammy Baldwin was the first openly gay senator, as I long thought Kohl was publicly acknowledged. Not that that has anything to do with having heirs, just clarifying comments

 

I've said for about 10 years that I wouldn't miss the Bucks leaving. I was a big fan as a kid but never went to games. In fact, I know one person that has regularly gone, which is pretty crazy considering how many sports fans I know. But to be honest, if you ask people in Wisconsin--even in Milwaukee-- their favorite basketball team, Wisconsin and Marquette would blow past the Bucks in terms of popularity. One component of an arena should be Marquette. It's one of the top drawing college teams in the nation and has been for over a decade. Marquette could probably get donors to build their own arena, or else contribute upwards of $50 million to the cause.

[brwrsfan]

Is it really any different than the Brewers from the early to mid 90's? If you asked people back then, nobody went to games on a regular basis either. But people did in the past....when they were winners. Just like with the Bucks. The Bucks had good attendance throughout most of the 80's and the early 2000's. Just like the Brewers did during the late 70's, early 80's and the last few years. If you ask people during the good times, I'd bet you'd find a lot more people that would tell you they go to games on a regular basis or at the very least, try to catch them on TV. Winning brings in casual fans. Unfortunately for the Bucks, a decade of ineptitude has meant they haven't won over any casual fans in over a decade.

 

Brewers Average Attendance (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teams/brewatte.shtml)

 

93 - 21k

94 - 16k

95 - 13k

96 - 16k

97 - 18k

98 - 22k

99 - 21k

00 - 19k

 

Starting with the 2002-2003 season, the Bucks have averaged between 15-16k fans in an arena that seats roughly 20k, which is about 75% capacity. (http://basketballreference.com/teams/teamatt.htm?tm=mil&lg=N)

 

Now maybe some of that had to do with the weather, but when you figure that County Stadium could seat over 53k during those years, that's playing in front of less than 35% capacity on average. So it's pretty clear that nobody was going often then, much like the Bucks now. The Bucks are awful and playing at 50% capacity, but when they were good in the early 2000's, just like when the Brewers got good, people came. The Bucks have fans, look at all the people supporting the billboards and a tanking operation. People want the Bucks to be good in this state.

 

Yes, there are more Brewers fans around but to act like Bucks fans don't exist isn't accurate, as they DID sell out games when they were good. The situations are different, and the Bucks will have an extremely difficult time getting any public money - economy has slumped, still paying for MP, etc. But if a situation can be presented that requires very little public funding (if any), why is it a bad thing? If the Bucks leave, Milwaukee will likely never get another NBA team. And if the Bucks can come up with a vast majority of the money and build a state of the art facility...one that Kohl has blatantly stated he doesn't want to be just for the Bucks, I think that's a definite plus for the both the city of Milwaukee and the local economy.

 

I would like to point out that I'm not necessarily in favor of using any taxpayer dollars, I'd have to see the proposal first to make any accurate assessment on that, but I think people are overlooking the importance an NBA franchise can have on the city. I think it's definitely better to have one around than not. Just my opinion.

[owbc]

Maybe Kohl finally realized that he is a big part of the problem, similar to when Selig finally decided to sell the Brewers. Or maybe he's just trying to raise capital. The new court was nice and generated some buzz. It was a step in the right direction. Getting the draft pick will help, but it might be too late. I feel like the whole thing is moving too slowly. They have less than four years to have the new building finished which means they have two years at most remaining before they have to break ground. The taxpayer opposition is greater than usual, public financing isn't going to happen. But the city/state can still help with site acquisition, infrastructure, and other types of minor benefits. It's going to be hard to raise $400 million or whatever is required for a new arena. I hope Kohl is planning on putting most of the money he makes from selling ownership stakes into the new arena. If they can get a full proposal in place including a site, renderings, and a large part of the financing, there might be some hope for the public to cover the rest. I don't support the public paying the majority of these projects but there's no doubt a new arena would benefit Milwaukee and it's reasonable to expect some sort of contribution.

[Outlander]

I don't think things are moving too slowly, to me it actually appears that everything is coming together at the right time. With the Brewers you couldn't really see future success with them when there was talk of Miller Park. With the Bucks it is real easy to see that they will have at least a couple of franchise players in Giannis and there next draft pick to showcase. I'm loving the Bucks are losing now and it just seems obvious to me that the Bucks will turn this thing around rather quickly as long as they just ride it out this year. Have not been this excited about the state of the franchise in at least a decade.

[fondybrewfan]

I don't think anyone would have too big of an objection of this project is all or mostly all privately financed. But I really just cannot envision this getting any sort of significant public financing. Could this be an Atlanta situation where a suburb ponies up and they actually move out of downtown? Maybe that is a more realistic scenario. Hell move them to Kenosha next to the new casino and make a new mega economic hub.

[brwrsfan]

What are the NBA rules on Casion involvement? I'm assuming it's completely impossible, but I'd imagine Poto would gladly put up the funds and the land.

 

Potowatami Arena....they have a ton of space right next to their casino and hotel. I doubt the NBA allows it though.

 

Kohl has stated he'd put up a lot of his own funds for it - he has no kids to leave the money to as discussed. He's looking for other owners to buy in and help finance.

[trwi7]

Could this be an Atlanta situation where a suburb ponies up and they actually move out of downtown? Maybe that is a more realistic scenario.

 

The suburbs that are already voting against any public financing?

[fondybrewfan]

It might be different in there own backyward; I guess you never know. Although it probably isn't like to happen in Waukesha or Ozaukee Counties. I am thinking Racine or Kenosha would be more likely

[trwi7]

You're moving away from the biggest base of ticket buyers. Atlanta is moving towards theirs. It makes no sense.

[RockCoCougars]

An arena would have to be downtown to have any major impact on the community- financially and otherwise. The only way they are probably going to be able to sell this to get some public financing is as part of a bigger entertainment/revitalization project downtown. Actually, from what I remember, the Bradley Center was actually supposed to be in the parking lot of County Stadium. Even then, that didn't make much sense.

[DuWayne Steurer]

Interesting game tonight. One thing I didn't like to see is Giannis only taking 3 field goal attempts in 42 minutes on the floor. I know he's raw, but he needs to get more involved when he's out there.

 

Henson with another nice game.

 

So, Henson, Knight and Giannis are getting good minutes and experience, and they're still managing to lose. Success on both ends!

[jjkoestler]

Is Henson legit or is he a product of an awful team? He looks good to me and he has nice numbers, but someone on this team has to score/rebound.

[paul253]

So, Henson, Knight and Giannis are getting good minutes and experience, and they're still managing to lose. Success on both ends!

 

As bad as this team is now I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Henson, Knight and Giannis all have nice potential and it's looking real good for a top 3 pick in next year's draft (meaning we walk away with one of Randle, Wiggins, Parker or Smart). I'm still holding out hope that the Bucks can squeeze and extra first rounder out of Ersan or maybe Mayo.

[fondybrewfan]

I actually watched quite a bit of the game. Giannis played a lot but it was pretty clear that he wasn't a big part of the offense. I don't think they ever really ran a play for him and more often than not he was just standing in the corner. Maybe that was by design, maybe not; but if he is going to play get him involved a bit. He has shown some offensive ability but needs some work; let him have the ball in his hands.

 

Henson and Giannis are two really strong building blocks. Add in Sanders and that should be a pretty solid 3-4-5. They very clearly need to get better at the guard position. They really need that sharp shooter SG and a PG who can actually pass. Knight is probably is better suited as a SG so I wouldn't be opposed to moving him there if they can find a legitimate PG. Maybe Wolters and Knight should be on the floor at the same time?

[yoshii8]

Anybody see the Save our Bucks billboard yet?

[brwrsfan]

I can't for the life of me figure out why my image posting isn't working. But it's right here:

 

http://expressmilwaukee.com/blog-9812-the-save-our-bucks-campaign-gets-a-racy-billboard.html

[trwi7]

http://expressmilwaukee.com/imgs/media.images/3470/save%20our%20bucks%20billboard.widea.jpg

[homer]

That's classic. I have my doubts as to whether or not it's going to accomplish anything but at least the local media might realize that the fans are fed up with the organization. The best thing is that the website makes salient, reasoned, and logical points. It's not some goober meathead that can't spell and just wants to fire everyone.

[jjfanec]

The NBA is looking at changing the lottery system. Sounds like the dumbest system ever. Essentially even the best teams could end up getting a top three pick. Keep the lottery or just go to a system like the NFL. If teams decide to tank who cares. The small market teams need a chance to compete. Big name Free Agents already don't want to come to small markets so the small market teams need the draft. The NBA would do something like this

[molitor fan]

I live in Charlotte and went to the game tonight - some of my thoughts:

 

Knights 14 assists were generally under the radar passes to jump shooters, nothing really creative off the dribble...I do like him as a combo guard off the bench as he has a nice shot and can drive to create his own offense....the guy does not have pg instincts from what I have seen, but he is just 22.

 

Mayo is just junk...oh how i wish we could flip him for something worthwhile....a turnover machine that has zero basketball instincts

 

Speaking of instincts, that is what I find most fortifying about Giannis' game...the guy is the smartest player on the court at age 19....i want him as our future point guard...i know it's crazy, as he is already 6'10 and a half, maybe growing to 7 feet, but I swear this kid could be Magic Johnson

 

I have my doubts on Henson ever being a starter on a championship quality team....too flipping weak even with his sick wingspan....Jefferson could have had 40 tonight if the Bobcats had a point guard (Kemba and Knight should go bowling together)

 

Middleton and Knight could be excellent 6th and 7th men on a championship caliber team....Miroslav can be a good 10th or 11the guy and Wolters could be a decent backup pg

 

Stick a fork in Ridnour and Butler....please find a trade partner for them Bucks(and Neal too)

[brwrsfan]

That draft change proposal is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. I'm done with the NBA for good if they do that.

 

Bucks just keep losing heart breakers, it's good that the lost, but they seem like they're due for some wins with all these close games. Hope not.

[fondybrewfan]

Yeah there is no way that draft proposal goes anywhere. The small market teams get absolutely screwed. Can you imagine if MIA got the first pick next year?

 

I don't know why the NBA screws with the draft so much. Both MLB and NFL are pretty straightforward; by the reverse standings. I don't know why the NBA feels the need to be different anyways.

 

The only thing the "wheel" would accomplish is the removal of tanking; however it opens up scores of other problems. Most notably parity and competitiveness. What if this was in place now and the Bucks weren't scheduled for another Top 5 pick for 5 years. It would be absolutely awful with basically no hope for an extended period of time.