Bucks 2020-2021 season thread

[FVBrewerFan]

So anyone know what's up with Austin Rivers?

 

Was Teague in place of Rivers or in addition to?

 

It's still possible,but I think it's dead. Just my opinion. Holiday better be playing almost every minute in the playoffs. So you have DD, Forbes, Pat, and now Teague at the other guard position. I'm not sure what Rivers brings to the table, and there's not wnough minutes for those other four to begin with. Even if they play 3 guards here and there. They all shoot the 3 better than Rivers, which is the main thing you want off the bench. The only thing Rivers gives you is defending the PG better those other guys, but for only a few minutes a game?

[HiAndTight]

So anyone know what's up with Austin Rivers?

 

Was Teague in place of Rivers or in addition to?

 

It's still possible,but I think it's dead. Just my opinion. Holiday better be playing almost every minute in the playoffs. So you have DD, Forbes, Pat, and now Teague at the other guard position. I'm not sure what Rivers brings to the table, and there's not wnough minutes for those other four to begin with. Even if they play 3 guards here and there. They all shoot the 3 better than Rivers, which is the main thing you want off the bench. The only thing Rivers gives you is defending the PG better those other guys, but for only a few minutes a game?

 

 

Did not know he couldn't sign until the 9th, but if you're giving him the minimum...why not?

 

He's a combo guard who can score and defend...and maybe he doesn't get many minutes, but if someone like DDV goes down, the Bucks would be in big trouble as it stands, but Rivers could slide into the lineup while keeping Pat in his role of 6th man. Forbes isn't someone you want starting.

 

I hope they sign him, but either way, the Bucks offense has looked so impressive lately. It just seems like things are so fluid and so much less dependant upon Giannis starting off the set at the top of the key...and when he does, he's deciding earlier to pass it and making sharp passes that are hitting guys so they can shoot it and don't have to collect it to get it up.

Holliday and Middleton just seem like they're nearly ideal compliments to Giannis. They can get their own ****, finish near the hoop or pull up and Giannis is maybe playing the best ball of his career the last couple months.

 

But is there an argument against Rivers? If we've got an open roster spot, it seems like a really good insurance policy and depending on matchup's, it's possible he could help out. And he's not quite the 3 point shooter those guys are, but he's solid. 35 pct for his career..and presumably that'd go up a bit in Milwaukee.

 

I guess the only downside is they look like they're really gelling and Rivers can tend to get a little too ISO happy, but I don't think that'd be a problem here.

[patrickgpe]

So anyone know what's up with Austin Rivers?

 

Was Teague in place of Rivers or in addition to?

the guy i would like is Avery Bradley if the Rockets buy him out over Rivers. kelly olynyk or otto porter would be 2 guys i'd look at ahead of Rivers.

[nate82]

There would be a lot of competition for Bradley if he were to be bought out. I think the Lakers would add him as fast as they could.

[DuWayne Steurer]

Giannis putting a beating on the Blazers in Portland tonight. Wow.

[sveumrules]

Giannis (18/21), Jrue (9/14) & Khris (8/13) combine to shoot 35 for 48 from the field while tbe other seven guys shot 14 for 42.

[HiAndTight]

So anyone know what's up with Austin Rivers?

 

Was Teague in place of Rivers or in addition to?

the guy i would like is Avery Bradley if the Rockets buy him out over Rivers. kelly olynyk or otto porter would be 2 guys i'd look at ahead of Rivers.

 

I didn't think any of those three were getting bought out though. But sure, they all seem to make sense.

 

Porter in looked like he was on the verge of becoming a star before all the injuries.

[homer]

Since the beginning of Feb, Giannis is 75% from the line. That'll work.

[nate82]

The Bucks and Holiday have agreed on an extension 4-years $160m.

 

https://theathletic.com/news/bucks-jrue-holiday-agree-to-160-million-max-contract-extension/y4DDn67nmN3B

[GAME05]

That....seems like a lot of money.

[RollieTime]

The Bucks and Holiday have agreed on an extension 4-years $160m.

 

https://theathletic.com/news/bucks-jrue-holiday-agree-to-160-million-max-contract-extension/y4DDn67nmN3B

 

YES!! Glad they were able to get this done. Now I don’t need to stress about losing him after what we gave up to acquire him for possibly one season! This gives the Bucks a roster that will compete for a championship the next few seasons as long as we remain healthy.

[pacopete4]

Is Giannis locked up for multiple years? If so, this is a no-brainer as they seemed to have gelled very well with each other.

[RollieTime]

Is Giannis locked up for multiple years? If so, this is a no-brainer as they seemed to have gelled very well with each other.

 

Yes, Giannis is under contract for 5 more seasons after this year. Middleton for 2 more years with a player option for a third year at $40.4 million.

[reillymcshane]

The Bucks and Holiday have agreed on an extension 4-years $160m.

 

https://theathletic.com/news/bucks-jrue-holiday-agree-to-160-million-max-contract-extension/y4DDn67nmN3B

This is where this all needed to go towards. Holiday, Middleton and Giannis are locked up for a few more years together. We get have Dante and Lopez for a couple of more years. Even Connaughton has been a positive for the club with his improved shooting. You can quibble about having different guys - but it's what we got and it likely won't change. Salary cap will now come into play big time, so we are not adding major players without trading one of the above guys (which is possible, but what we get back isn't anything special).

 

I can live with this core for a 2-3 years.

 

I think adding a couple of quality veterans at minimum salaries will be important every year. But those are sort of interchangeable parts.

 

I think Tucker could be really good for this team - but I'm concerned about his age. Not sure if he is someone you want to re-sign - but it might be worth it.

 

A knockdown 3 point shooter would be a nice addition as well - but money is the big issue there.

[GAME05]

It'll be tough without the draft picks to find rising players on the cheap, but also no reason they can't just follow the Lakers' strategy of getting your 2-3 superstars and then filling in the gaps with role players. Plenty of guys out there who can't score but can do a lot of other stuff well.

 

I tend to doubt Lopez sees the next couple years in a Bucks uniform, though.

[HiAndTight]

That....seems like a lot of money.

 

 

It is, but what else could they do? It's the same as with Middleton. The contract looks better if it's 4/120, but, it's either pay him, or lose him for nothing after giving up 3 1sts and 2 swaps, Bledsoe and Hill.

 

But it's certainly worth it in my opinion. This team is built so much better for the post-season and now there aren't really any lingering question about what the team will look like next year.

[sveumrules]

Actual contract is 4/135, the 160 is only if all incentives are reached.

 

The salaries go from 30 million next year to 37 million in the player option fourth year.

 

According to Spotrac, Jrue will be about the 15th highest paid guard next season.

[nate82]

The one thing that Holiday really helps with the Bucks is that teams can't triple team Giannis in the post or near the post anymore with the PG. Meaning they can't just leave Holiday open at the 3pt line like teams were doing with Bledsoe.

 

Bledsoe was basically acting as a 4th defender against Giannis in the playoffs. Which then also cut off Bledsoe's best offensive value in driving to the basket. Bledsoe was just a bad fit as he couldn't shoot and wasn't a real threat to shoot either. With Holiday the Bucks are able to free up a defender on Giannis and also occasionally on Middleton.

[reillymcshane]

The one thing that Holiday really helps with the Bucks is that teams can't triple team Giannis in the post or near the post anymore with the PG. Meaning they can't just leave Holiday open at the 3pt line like teams were doing with Bledsoe.

 

Bledsoe was basically acting as a 4th defender against Giannis in the playoffs. Which then also cut off Bledsoe's best offensive value in driving to the basket. Bledsoe was just a bad fit as he couldn't shoot and wasn't a real threat to shoot either. With Holiday the Bucks are able to free up a defender on Giannis and also occasionally on Middleton.

I liked Bledsoe, but his offense was just not good enough. And it's unlikely to get better. Holiday isn't a great scorer - but he's good. His presence really changes the complexion of the team.

 

I can't wait for Tucker to get healthy and incorporate him into the rotation. I think that will be really good for the team.

[adambr2]

I've also heard that Bledsoe's defense has really fallen off this season. Does not sound like the Pelicans have been thrilled with his play.

[patrickgpe]

I've also heard that Bledsoe's defense has really fallen off this season. Does not sound like the Pelicans have been thrilled with his play.

just looked at his defensive win shares stat and he is 0.5 this season (last year 3.0). His VORP is -.3 (last 1.6). All of this advanced defensive matrices are way down.

[HiAndTight]

I've also heard that Bledsoe's defense has really fallen off this season. Does not sound like the Pelicans have been thrilled with his play.

 

 

He's just an awful fit on that team. I'm sure he doesn't love starting with Ball in the backcourt and Ball the primary ball handler.

 

And just from his past, he's kinda got a reputation for losing focus when things aren't going great.

 

I loved Bled. He was tougher than hell, played great, aggressive defense and he always played hard here. He just wasn't able to get over the oft reported "butterflies," that came with playing in bigger games and so much worst at the end of the season.

 

I'm guessing NOLA was hoping he'd play well the first half and then maybe flip him for more assets. Regular season Bledsoe is a really nice player, but he had been struggling this year.

[wallus]

I'd like Jrue to run the offense more. Please kill ballhandling Middleton, would rather have DDV bring it up if Jrue, Jeff or Giannis are not on the court.

[FVBrewerFan]

It's not the most awe inspiring big 3 you'll ever see, but it could work out much better than it looks like on paper. All 3 have different games, and no debate who the alpha dog is, no drama. Now it's about learning how to play together and get the most out of the talent.

[lcbj68c]

Good Grief.