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2008 Milwaukee Bucks Predictions & Season Preview

Written by John Martin

Scott Skiles was named the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in April, and since then he has watched almost every game the Bucks played in 2007-2008. Former coach Larry Krystkowiak was regarded as one of the nicest and classiest coaches in the NBA. Apparently some players in the Bucks organization took advantage of that, so he was shown the door and Skiles was brought in. Skiles is a no-nonsense coach who won’t tolerate the shenanigans from last season. Skiles expects this team can produce a winner or we wouldn’t have taken the job, and looks at the Bucks as a team that underachieved last season. Read on to see if we think Skiles will get the Bucks turned around after an atrocious 26-56 record last season. The Bucks are +6000 odds to win the Central Division and +7500 to win the Eastern Conference at BetUS, so they may be a team to keep your eye on every night during the season.

Luke Ridnour may not be a prolific scorer, but he is a top-notch ball distributor and a true point guard. Ridnour averaged 6.4 points and 4.0 assists in 20 minutes per game last season and should improve the team’s ball movement this season. Tyronn Lue will backup Ridnour. Lue is a speedster, who in his 10th year shows no signs of slowing down.

Michael Redd is one of the premier long-range shooters on the planet and one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA. Redd won a gold medal with the U.S. team in Beijing over the summer. While Redd shot only 44% from the field last season, he still averaged 22.7 points a game, eighth best in the NBA, despite drawing a constant double-team. Skiles will help Redd improve his shot selection which should help him shoot more efficiently. Charlie Bell had a disappointing season last year, but should bounce back and get the leftover minutes when Redd is out. Redd averaged 37.5 minutes a game last season.

Richard Jefferson was brought in from the Nets over the summer to upgrade the small forward position. Jefferson is one of the most complete small forwards in the NBA. He averaged 22.6 points a game, 9th best in the NBA, and has the ability to be a lockdown defender. Jefferson has improved every year he has been in the league and should be an impact player. Austin Croshere was just signed off waivers to pick up the remaining minutes when Jefferson takes a breather.

Charlie Villanueva will be given every opportunity to start at power forward. Villanueva is gifted offensively, but is suspect on the defensive side of the ball and lacks intensity and concentration. Villanueva can score and rebound, but needs to prove he can do other things. Joe Alexander, the Bucks only draft pick should get prime minutes behind Villanueva as a rookie. Alexander has a huge upside.

Andrew Bogut was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2005 NBA draft and has steadily improved in every phase of the game. Bogut almost registered a double-double last season with 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds. Most likely Bogut’s production will continue to improve under Skiles, who has publicly stated he will use Bogut more on both ends of the floor. Dan Gadzuric will once again backup Bogut. Gadzuric is offensively challenged, but he is a solid rebounder and shot-blocker.

Final Analysis

The Bucks were an underachieving team last season, and Scott Skiles should change that. Picking up Luke Ridnour to dish the ball to Michael Redd, Richard Jefferson, and Andrew Bogut should pay off. The Bucks are in a situation where they have the potential to be successful with the Bulls and Pacers both in transition. With our NBA predictions we have the Bucks finishing 3rd in the Central Division, which means they should challenge for a playoff spot this season. The Bucks are +15000 odds to win the NBA Championship this season. We don’t see that as a good bet, but this underachieving team should be underrated this season so keep an eye on them.

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Written by John Martin on October 28, 2008 · Filed Under NBA Betting Articles, News & Previews

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