A New Beginning in Milwaukee

For a team that posted the worst record in the NBA last season and is entering its first year under a new head coach, it would be easy to assume that expectations would be low. But that isn’t the case for Jason Kidd’s Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite a rough 2013-14 campaign, Milwaukee’s slate is wiped clean: New ownership, a new coach in J-Kidd and a wealth of young talent has those around the Bucks thinking big. After showing promise in the preseason, Jason is ready to see what his team can do now that the games count and the record matters.

“The guys have worked extremely hard this preseason,” Coach Kidd said. “And now its our job to carry it over. The basketball doesn’t change; it just becomes an official stat. The wins and losses count now.”

After joining the Bucks from the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason, Jason immediately hit the ground running. After watching his young players take shape in the NBA Summer League, Jason spent the preseason trying to hammer out his rotation, and several players made strong impressions—perhaps none more so than No. 2 overall draft pick Jabari Parker.

PARKER’S POTENTIAL

In just eight preseason games, Parker has shown that he can be an immediate 20-point scorer in the NBA. His 6-8 235-pound frame allows him to play multiple positions. Throughout the preseason, he has shown much more comfort playing the power forward position; taking advantage of other forwards with his ability to handle the ball and create space, both laterally and vertically with his athleticism.

While his skill has been apparent, Jason has raved about the former Duke star’s work ethic, and his team-centric mentality.

“He’s
[Parker] a team guy, he’s about the team first. All the individual stuff comes second,” Jason said. “When one of your stars is thinking team first, things tend to get off on the right foot.”

The Bucks signed three additional players this off-season: sharp shooter Jared Dudley, athletic and active combo guard Jerryd Bayless, and pass-first lefty point guard Kendall Marshall. They’ll join a very intriguing, yet largely unproven returning cast.

A GUARD’S TEAM

Point guard Brandon Knight, who led the team with an average of 17.9 points and 4.9 assists last year, is another year wiser and expects to benefit greatly from the tutelage of future a Hall-of-Fame point guard in J-Kidd.

“He’s a piece we want here,” Jason said of B-Knight. “You talk about his work ethic, the way he approaches the game, he’s a professional, on and off the court.”

He’ll be backed up at the point by Marshall, as well as returner Nate Wolters, who had two strong performances to close out the preseason schedule.

While Knight is sure to be one of Milwaukee’s centerpieces, no player has drawn more buzz than Giannis Antetokunmpo. “The Greek Freak” might also see some time at the point this season, even with his 6-11 frame.

Jason experimented with the long and athletic second-year player at point guard this preseason, and it brought some growing pains. However, Giannis remains undeterred by what he just called “one of those bad days,” and his coach also still has plenty of confidence in his ability, no matter where he is on the floor.

“No matter which way we go, he’s still going to be in the game a lot of the time,” Jason said. “We want him to be in a position to be successful. If that means starting, then we’ll start him.”

While the Bucks are led by young players in the backcourt, they also have a veteran who, if the preseason is any indication, is primed for a breakout under Coach Kidd.

Veteran O.J. Mayo, once touted as a future NBA superstar, has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout his career, but has lacked All-Star caliber consistency. Mayo had a very promising preseason, including combined 43 points in back-to-back games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks.

“He’s [Mayo] a veteran,” Jason said. “He’s a big part of this team. When he was in Dallas he was mentioned as an all-star. His work ethic in practice and in training camp has been off the charts. You can see his hard work paying off.”

Another top performer from the preseason was Khris Middleton.

The swingman played in all 82 games last year and averaged 12.1 points per game, a total that figures to rise this season if he assumes a full-time starting role as expected.

Middleton finished the preseason a bit banged up, but he led the team in scoring in its first two exhibition contests. The third-year player has the ability to contribute on the glass and is also one of Milwaukee’s most efficient three-ball shooters. Middleton showed the ability to make perimeter shots in rhythm by knocking down treys at a 41 percent clip last season.

Thus far, Jason has loved that versatility presented by the former Texas A&M Aggie.

“Khris is a guy who does a lot of good things on the ball,” Kidd said. “You can play him at 1, 2 or 3 — even at the 4 if you want to go super small. He gives you the luxury of being a basketball player. He can shoot it but also make plays for his teammates.”

THE BIG BUCKS

While Jason’s backcourt is brimming with potential, he also knows he has just as much talent and depth surrounding Parker in the frontcourt. Four players—Larry Sanders, John Henson, Zaza Pachulia and Ersan Ilyasova—will figure into the mix.

Sanders, like Mayo, is looking for a season of redemption after missing much of last year due to suspension and injury. Two seasons ago, Sanders nearly averaged a double-double, tallying 9.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, and J-Kidd believes he can get back to that form this season.

“Offensively, being able to run and clean up misses, give us second and third opportunities,” he said.

The big man is also a talented rim protector. His ability to alter shots and rebound everything coming off the rim makes him invaluable to Coach Kidd’s defensive scheme.

“You look at defensively and being able to rebound the ball, block shots,” J-Kidd said. “His presence in the pick-and-roll, his length, his quickness, his help when guys get beat; he means a lot to us.”

Entering his fifth season, Sanders will also play a leadership role to Parker and the rest of the young Bucks. It’s a task that Sanders is taking in stride and he’s already expressed the thrill of playing alongside the No. 2 pick.

“I love to see that kid [Parker] fly,” Sanders said with a smile. “He is one of those kids that is so humble and hungry, you just want to see him do well…its going to be fun to watch him grow this year.”

Henson is another young player who will continue to grow alongside Sanders. The lanky North Carolina product has tacked on muscle over the offseason in hopes of seeing an expanded role in the post.

Two international talents, Pachulia and Ilyasova, will complete the rotation down low. Ilyasova will provide a nice complement to Parker with his scoring and shooting ability. Meanwhile, Pachulia, at 6-11, 275 pounds, will provide a bruising physical presence down low.

While it might be tough at first to allow the team to develop chemistry and settle into a consistent rotation, Jason isn’t about to complain about the depth and versatility his team presents.

“We have guys that can play multiple positions, so that helps,” Coach Kidd said. “Guys that can play the 2, 3, or 4, so that shows our depth. On top of all that, we have guys that are willing to sacrifice for the team as well.”

IN THE HUNT

There’s no lack of excitement around the Bucks, and rightfully so given the team’s wealth of young talent. However, that youth, coupled with a new head coach bringing a new system, will bring some unavoidable growing pains.

Part of Jason’s job, early on especially, will be managing expectations and working through those valleys and peaks.

“We gotta work at it. It’s not just going to happen overnight,” Coach Kidd says. “We’re in this to get better each day, and that’s not just players, but coaches, and so each time we take the floor, it’s to get better. Again, we have a group of guys that believe that it can get better and that’s what makes it exciting.”

Milwaukee is the third-youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 24.2 years old, and could start two teenagers, Parker and Antetokounmpo. But the attitude, work ethic and inherent talent of that group has them dreaming big.

“Its really exciting for it to finally come along,” Parker said. “I’m ready to start the journey with these guys. It’s going to be a real good experience.”

The Bucks were in the playoffs just two seasons ago and were expected to be in the playoff picture last year, but a myriad of issues left them at the bottom of the East.

Now with the Rookie of the Year favorite on board, there are certainly some signs pointing toward the postseason. And Jason believes, that with the coaching staff in place, a talented and enthusiastic roster on the floor and a dedicated front office, Milwaukee is destined for success.

“Winning organizations are self-motivated. Championship caliber teams motivate themselves, from the coaches to the players; everyone has to hold themselves accountable,” Coach Kidd said. “I see that here already, and I know it will translate into success.”

That road, and the Jason Kidd era in Milwaukee, will begin on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets, with the addition of Lance Stephenson alongside Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, are also looking to rise up the East ranks.

After going 0-4 against Charlotte last year, the Bucks will look to begin breaking trends from 2013-14 right out of the gate.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on Fox Sports Wisconsin.