Running 2014-15 NBA Thread

I grew up a Bucks fan as I was 7 years old when Lew was drafted. Spent many winter nights with a transistor radio listening to Eddie Doucette. I have gravitated towards the college game over the last many years but this Bucks team is fun to watch. I know they are years away from being a contender but they play harder than most and really share the ball. Giannis sets the tone as he is a very willing passer. If Parker comes back strong next year and they add a few more pieces this could be a pretty formidable team in a few years. The NBA is about superstars and I think Giannis has a chance.

 

Bucks have one of the last NBA guys I ever covered (albeit when he was in college) in Jared Dudley. Epitome of the useful vet.

 

About a year ago I was watching on YouTube a game between the Bucks and Lakers from the early 80s. Lanier was still on the team, along with Marques Johnson, Mickey Johnson, Harvey Catchings, Sid Moncrief and Paul Pressey. One of the things I noticed was how that team really went after it on defense. This being a year ago, I thought "the current team just doesn't go after anyone defensively." But this year's team really gets after it defensively.

Like most, I figured that if they improved this year it would be because of Giannis' improvement, Parker playing a big role and Larry Sanders returning to some of the form he showed 2-3 years ago. Obviously, Parker and Sanders are not a factor. Makes their turnaround that much more amazing.

I understand the love for Kerr and Budenholzer, but Kidd really should be coach of the year.

 

Is Giannis like Kukoc?

 

I think he's longer and going to be much better.

 

Anthony Mason is in bad shape. Massive heart attack, multiple surgeries since then (including one that lasted nine hours). 48 years old, condition reported as either critical or grave.

Anthony Mason suffers ‘massive heart attack’ | New York Post

 

What is the long-term future of the Bucks in Milwaukee? Thanks.

 

Doucette predates me but I really enjoyed the late Jim Irwin doing the games in the 1980s.

 

Sorry to hear that. Lots of good memories from him. The human Michelin Man, Nelson's point forward, the only one who could line up next to Oakley and be the toughest guy on the floor. Hope he recovers quickly.

 

Pretty impressive stat: Mason was 4 assists per from averaging a triple-double his first year with the Hornets.

16 points, 11 rebounds, 5.7 assists.

 

4.3 assists is a long ways away from averaging a triple double but yeah he was versatile as hell.

 

Mason was a great 1 on 1 defender -- he guarded everyone from Jordan to Hakeem to Shaq better than anyone on those Knicks teams. He (along with Oakley) allowed Ewing to serve as an off the ball shot blocker and rebounder.

He could be a bit of a ballstopper on offense when it counted but was a really talented guy. Hope he pulls through this.