About Bucking Time! Bucks (39-43) Bucks out of the Playoffs

Phil Jackson linked with Bucks GM job



The rumor mill is spinning yet again with recent reports that the "Zen Master" aka Phil Jackson is a reported lock for the General Manager position for the soon-to-be relocated Milwaukee Bucks (Seattle Sonics)

According to the Inquistr, Peter Vecsey wrote:

“Source says almost living lock Phil Jackson will become front office face of Seattle-bound Bucks’ franchise. Won’t coach. Will mentor choice.”

Herb Kohl reached an agreement to sell the team 2 weeks ago to a Seattle based investment group, and are also looking to grab another big name perhaps someone associated with the Sonics past. The Bucks are also looking into San Antonio Spurs GM R.C. Buford but know they will face an uphill battle with trying to acquire him. John Hammond is the current GM and has had another mixed bag of a season. Injuries have derailed it a little bit, but he has assembled the perfect 8th place or bust roster. This season may yet end up as bust unless OJ Mayo can quickly recover from a sprained right ankle.

Gary Payton was named as Assistant GM last month, but is considered as too inexperienced to get the top job. Look for him to gain more experience and be a real face for the Seattle franchise next season. Also coach Larry Drew could be on the hot-seat. The roller-coaster ride thus far has not been as impressive as it promised, although the Bucks defense has drastically improved. This could be down to the play of John Henson and Larry Sanders more so. Expect the rumors to fly around over the coming months, as the Bucks end their tenure in Milwaukee and load the trucks bound for Seattle.

Okay, you've won me over.

Okay, you've won me over.

Bringing you over to the Sonics side lamrock???? delighted to see you commenting on my story. I've been following your stories for a long time on here, loving the current one too! Can see a rivalry in the offing with the Blazers and Sonics dueling it out it. haha.

It'd be a shame if the Bucks moved IRL, but I also hope Seattle gets a team back. Hopefully they'll get expansion soon.

Anyways, I like the plans of developing Henson and Sanders inside. It seems you need to find some consistent perimeter scoring though, especially if Mayo's injured or not with the team at some point.

Game 76 Toronto Raptors 87 - 81 Milwaukee Bucks



Henson makes a tough put back over Hansbrough.

Raptors Starters
K. Lowry
D. DeRozan
R. Gay
T. Hansbrough
J. Valanciunas

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
C. Delfino
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders


Game Leaders
Pts - 22 - R. Gay (Raptors)
Rebs - 11 - L. Sanders (Bucks)
Asts - 7 - K. Lowry (Raptors)
Stls - 2 - C. Delfino (Bucks)
Blks - 2 L. Sanders (Bucks)

Player of the Game
R. Gay
22pts, 5 rebs, 2 ast, 1blk

Game 77 Milwaukee Bucks 79 - 106 Miami Heat



Mayo was back and went toe to toe with Wade, but it resulted in a blowout loss

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
O. Mayo
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders

Heat Starters
M. Chalmers
D. Wade
L. James
C. Bosh
C. Andersen

Game Leaders
Pts - 28 - O. Mayo (Bucks)
Rebs - 10 -L. Sanders (Bucks)
Asts - 12 - L. James (Heat)
Stls - 8 - D. Wade (Heat)
Blks - 3 -J. Henson (Bucks)

Player of the Game
L. James
26pts , 9 rebs, 12 asts, 5 stls

Game 78 Milwaukee Bucks 85 - 87 Orlando Magic



Nash took on the whole Magic defense, but couldnt make the game tying shot

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
O. Mayo
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders

Magic Starters
V. Oladipo
A. Afflalo
T. Harris
G. Davis
N. Vucevic

Game Leaders
Pts - 26 - J. Henson (Bucks)
Rebs - 11 - J. Henson (Bucks)
Asts - 9 -S. Nash (Bucks)
Stls - 4 - V. Oladipo (Magic)
Blks - 3 - L. Sanders (Bucks)

Player of the Game
V. Oladipo
16pts , 7 rebs, 6 asts, 4 stls, 2 blks

Game 79 Milwaukee Bucks 100 - 84 Atlanta Hawks



Henson and Sanders dominated in the paint tonight, to get a much needed win.

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
O. Mayo
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders

Hawks Starters
J. Teague
L. Williams
D. Carroll
P. Millsapp
A. Horford

Game Leaders
Pts - 22 - J. Henson (Bucks)
Rebs - 11 - L. Sanders (Bucks)
Asts - 11 -S. Nash (Bucks)
Stls - 3 - E. Brand (Bucks)
Blks - 3 - L. Sanders (Bucks)

Player of the Game
J. Henson
22pts , 8 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 2 blks

Game 80 Milwaukee Bucks 107 - 85 Charlotte Bobcats



Henson has stepped it up this week, trying to drag the Bucks back into 8th spot.

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
O. Mayo
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders

Bobcats Starters
K. Walker
G. Henderson
M. Kidd Gilchrist
C. Zeller
A. Jefferson

Game Leaders
Pts - 23 - J. Henson (Bucks)
Rebs - 10 -C. Zeller (Bobcats)
Asts - 10 -S. Nash (Bucks)
Stls - 3 - L. Sanders, J. Henson (Bucks)
Blks - 3 - L. Sanders, J. Henson (Bucks)

Player of the Game
J. Henson
23pts , 8 rebs, 1 ast, 3 stls, 3 blks

Game 81 Denver Nuggets 112 - 111 Milwaukee Bucks



Milwaukee will remember this. Mayo missed the open shot to win the game, as the Bucks played their last home regular season game in the Bradley Center

Nuggets Starters
T. Lawson
R. Foye
D. Gallinari
K. Faried
J. McGee

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
C. Delfino
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders


Game Leaders
Pts - 30 - O. Mayo (Bucks)
Rebs - 12 - L. Sanders (Bucks)
Asts - 8 - T. Lawson (Nuggets)
Stls - 4 - T. Lawson (Nuggets)
Blks - 4 L. Sanders (Bucks)

Player of the Game
D. Gallinari
29pts, 8 rebs, 7 ast, 1blk

Bucks tied in 8th, with one game remaining.



Final games 17th April 2014

East Playoff Race
Milwaukee Bucks @ Oklahoma City Thunder - 7pm CT

Philadelphia 76ers @Indiana Pacers - 8pm ET

Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors - 8pm ET

The Bucks head into the final game of the regular season, knowing only a win will do. And as faith would have it, its against their future foes and future nemesis, the Oklahoma City Thunder. All of Seattle and Milwauke will be watching this one with baited breathe. Can the Bucks save their season? Falling out of the playoffs seemed inconceivable earlier this year, but a loss tonight and it becomes reality. Bowing out of Milwaukee with as much as a whimper, and loading the trucks up to head to Seattle.

The first picture looks like Danilo Gallinari connected on a punch on what appears to be the most apathetic NBA brawl of all time.

The first picture looks like Danilo Gallinari connected on a punch on what appears to be the most apathetic NBA brawl of all time.

Ha Ha i just noticed that now. Good spot man.

Game 82 Milwaukee Bucks 107 - 85 Oklahoma City Thunder



Butler contributed well off the bench, but the Bucks fell short, and out of the playoffs.

Bucks Starters
S. Nash
O. Mayo
D. Williams
J. Henson
L. Sanders

Thunder Starters
R. Westbrook
T. Sefalosha
K. Durant
S. Ibaka
K. Perkins

Game Leaders
Pts - 41 - R. Westbrook (Thunder)
Rebs - 10 - S. Ibaka (Thunder)
Asts - 9 -S. Nash (Bucks)
Stls - 3 -R. Westbrook (Thunder)
Blks - 2 - S. Ibaka (Thunder)

Player of the Game
R. Westbrook
41pts , 7 rebs, 7 ast, 3 stls, 1 blk


NBA East Playoff Race Games
Philadelphia 76ers 90 - 80 Indiana Pacers
Boston Celtics 98 - 90 Toronto Raptors

Philadelphia 76ers claim 8th place in Eastern Conference

Over and Out, Milwaukee Bucks fail to make the playoffs.

The Milwaukee Bucks are out of the playoffs. What seemed inconceivable a few months ago, has happened. Mind you, I dont think most people would have predicted the Bucks would be packing their bags and heading for Seattle either. A disastrous end for the Milwaukee Bucks, and it will leave even more of a sour taste in Bucks fans mouths. Their team stolen in record time, and in all the commotion their team falls apart on the court. The Bucks were riding high in the East until about Allstar break, consistently in the top 4 in the East. Then the rumors started and the losses started to mount up.

The Bucks had so many highs early in the season, the emergence of John Henson was one. Some stellar performance, numerous double doubles, and quite a few thunderous dunks. Henson was named the MVP in the BBVA Rising Stars game, and also entered the Slam Dunk contest. Henson was nominated for Most Improved Player this season, but lost out to Andre Drummond of the Pistons. A close fought contest which could have went either way. Henson averaged 16.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Some amazing stats for the 3rd year pro. Henson and Sanders helped form one of the top frontcourt duos, and their defense helped the Bucks to the lowest opponents points per game total.


Henson throws it down over Jason Smith

The Bucks made a number of big trades. Derrick Williams initially made a tremendous contribution, but fizzled out towards the end of the year when it really mattered. He still finished with 13ppg, 6.1 rpg an 3 apg. Decent numbers, but all too often couldn't put big enough points on the board. Williams worked with trainer Glenn Robinson a lot this year, and its hard to say if the Bucks management are pleased with his progress. Williams has a team option this summer, and it remains to be seen if it will be exercised.


Williams throws it down on his debut.

The Bucks made another big splash with the addition of Steve Nash. Nash led the league in assists this season, but his defense was perhaps a reason he didn't push the Bucks into the playoffs. Nash was thrown overboard from the sinking Lakers ship and the Bucks were happy to take a chance on him. Nash has 1 year remaining on his contract but there are already rumors he may not be interested in lacing them up in Seattle.


Nash threading the needle like only he can.

But perhaps the Bucks best addition this year was the signing of OJ Mayo. And conversely he could be construed as the worst on all too many nights. Mayo finished with 22.1ppg and top 5 in the league leaders in scoring. He shot a poor 38.5% from the floor though. He scored 20, 30 and 40 points a night, but often put up 20,30 and 40 shots a night to get that. Mayo won many games single handed for the Bucks though, and it does him a great disservice not to acknowledge that the Bucks wouldn't have been within 10 games of the playoffs if not for Mayo's scoring heroics. His defense and shot selection needs a lot of work, maybe next season he gets it right. And if he does, expect him to crack the top 3 leaders in scoring next year.


Mayo draining another 3 from the corner.

One thing is for certain now. The Bucks have a lot to do this summer, between moving to Seattle and rebranding. But John Hammond or the new GM has to take a long hard look at want went wrong this season, who is overpaid, and who needs to be shipped out. Because finishing with a 39-43 record in a weak Eastern Conference just will not cut it. From all here at the Hang Time Blog, goodbye Milwaukee, thanks for the memories, sorry for your losses, and hope to see you guys get a team back in the near future. (2015-16 expansion maybe???)

NBA Playoffs 2014 Round 1

NBA Playoffs 2014 Conference Semi Finals

NBA Playoffs 2014 Conference Finals

NBA Finals 2014

NBA Champions Brooklyn Nets

With the relocation story and the tight playoff race, the offseason snuck up on me. You actually seem to have a lot of depth, and I keep forgetting Illyasova and Knight are still there. Looking forward to seeing who else you add to the roster in the draft.

With the relocation story and the tight playoff race, the offseason snuck up on me. You actually seem to have a lot of depth, and I keep forgetting Illyasova and Knight are still there. Looking forward to seeing who else you add to the roster in the draft.

Yeah a lot of depth without too many stars. Have to fine tune the squad a lot now. Ilyasova and Knight disappointed me a little and became real role players. only scoring and playing well in small stretches though. I suppose the Nash trade took Knight out of stride. Henson was just unbelieveably good to use, and I found it hard to give playing time to Ilyasova over him or Sanders. His contract is a problem for his role though. Yeah i just simmed the whole playoffs without much interest. Happy as a closet Nets fan to see them win the title. KG and Pierce picking up a title against Doc was just too good. Really excited to get started with the Seattle relocation. Have lots of good story lines ready. My only issue is whether to continue the story in here, or just leave a link here to the new one (Start fresh from 2014-15 with Seattle) Any ideas?

NBA Performance Awards 2013-14

MVP - Lebron James

James wins his 5th MVP

Most Improved Player - Andre Drummond (Pistons)
Defensive Player of the Year - Josh Smith (Pistons)
6th Man of the Year - Terrence Ross (Raptors)
Rookie of the Year - Trey Burke (Jazz)
Coach of the Year - Jason Kidd (Nets)

NBA Finals MVP - Deron Williams

Williams led the Brooklyn Nets to their first NBA Championship win over the LA Clippers

Coming Soon....



NBA returns to Seattle

Back with a Boom! A Sonic Boom! Seattle SuperSonics return to NBA.



Seattle gets its second attempt at hosting an NBA franchise. Lets hope this time it proves to be more successful in holding onto it. (See Thunder, Oklahoma).
After announcing that the Milwaukee Bucks would up sticks and relocate to Seattle, the debate began to rage over what logo and colours the franchise would use. New owner Steve Ballmer announced in a statement that he had secured the purchase of the Bucks franchise. Later in the week he also concluded negotiations with the KeyArena in Seattle.

Everyone knew this day was coming. The NBA is back in Seattle and as expected the SuperSonics name and colors have been brought back. The question was, do they return to the 00's colors, which were worn by the Sonics up until their sale, the mid 90's colors or green, yellow and red or do they go all out and have a new beginning? In the end, Ballmer, a diehard Sonics fan all those years, decided that they would bring back the colors from the 2008 season. Picking up where they left off. “I wanted to have a logo, a uniform, which not only was familiar to the people of Seattle, but gives us something to root for, a chance for redemption, continuing on for this season only in the old colors.” Ballmer chuckles.

A sense of history returning, and hopefully something to live up to for the relocated Bucks players. At first look the roster and the new Sonics have a good young core to build around. The emergence of John Henson and Larry Sanders as one of the best young front-court tandems in the league, is a very good starting point. Players like OJ Mayo and Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight, are all under 25. Add some veteran experience and another year of development, and the Sonics could be chasing a playoff spot in a transitional Western Conference.

The NBA will shortly announce a new divisional realignment structure for next season. With the Bucks franchise originally based in the East, some other franchise will have to move west.


The Sonics will play this season only in a renovated KeyArena

To read part 2 of this story click here: Part II Back with A Boom!