Tag: Joe Prunty

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Review of Bucks Point Guard Eric Bledsoe

It’s definitely safe to say the Bucks improved when Eric Bledsoe joined the team, but does he give them enough to be a top playoff contender?

My opinion is yes–if he takes better care of the ball.

During the Bucks’ first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Bledsoe was on and off at best. He would have stretches where he scored, passed well, and defended, but often times, he would suddenly become quite sloppy with the ball. If he is to be a fixture in our offense, he needs to sometimes slow down his pace and look to get others involved instead of isolating and attempting a poor shot, or even losing the ball to the defense.

Although the Bucks’ one and only playoff series was not Bledsoe’s premier clinic, he still did a lot for us throughout the regular season. He because a key facilitator and clicked instantly with star Giannis Antetekounpo. Giannis and Bledsoe played a successful amount of pick and roll offense and this is definitely credit to Bledsoe for ensuring the Buck’s best player is steadily involved.

There was a lot of criticism over Bledsoe’s performance in the playoffs, but I don’t think that should overshadow how well he played most of the season. I look forward to seeing him in a Bucks uniform next season as the Bucks open in their new arena.

 

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Milwaukee Actively Pursuing New Head Coach

As of now, Joe Prunty is still the coach of the Bucks, but his time at the helm is likely short-lived. After an early first round playoff exit, many, including myself, believe it is time to sign a coach who can take us to the next step. The Bucks haven’t won a playoff series in nearly 20 years, and now that we have such a promising young core of players, the time is now to find a coach that can get us to the next level.

Rumors are Bucks front office staff has scheduled an interview with San Antonio Spurs assistant coach, Becky Hammon. Hammon has worked with the Spurs for multiple seasons now and has surely learned a lot working under the great Gregg Popovich. If hired for the job, Hammon would become the first head coach in NBA history. She already set a record when she became the first woman to become an assistant coach back in 2014. I personally would welcome Hammon aboard with open arms. She has a lot of talent and knowledge of the game, which are aspects we need to elevate our team’s performance.

Also in the running for possible head coach replacements are former Atlanta Hawks coach, Mike Budenholzer, as well as former New Orleans Pelicans coach, Monty Williams.

Milwaukee had their chance at hiring David Fizdale, who unfortunately agreed to a 4-year deal with the New York Knicks a few days ago. I think he would have been the best fit for the Bucks, but the organization did not act fast enough to grab him before the competition did.

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Bucks Steal OT Win Against Lakers Despite Giannis’ Poor Shooting Night

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best basketball players in the world. Yet he did not touch the ball in the final 35 seconds of regulation and several possessions in overtime during the Milwaukee Bucks’ 124-122 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Staples Center.

Although the Bucks have come up clutch in recent games, beating the Golden State Warriors the other night and now outlasting the Lakers, there is still much improvement the team needs to truly compliment Giannis’ star potential.

It didn’t help that the Bucks fired coach Jason Kidd mid season, which clearly disrupted some of the team’s chemistry heading into the later part of the season. Now under the leadership of interim coach Joe Prunty, the Bucks have struggled to improve anymore than they had under Kidd’s tenure. It is clear the organization needs to look elsewhere in a head coach heading into next season. Prunty is not utilizing Giannis how he should be, and this is affecting the young star’s potential and growth. Antetokounmpo is already one of the most dominant players in the NBA; however, he needs the right guidance to continue his rise to glory.

The Bucks are riding the 8th and last spot in the eastern conference for playoff contention, and need to continue playing hard to hold off the Piston’s from knocking them out of the post season. Hopefully the Bucks will find a way to better utilize Giannis in crunch time. The Bucks will need to fix these kinks if they desire to make a splash in this year’s post season.