Jimmy has dropped 30+ on the Bucks tonight.

[TheSultan]

Butler was awesome in the 4th quarter as much as it hurt to watch him.

Larry Sanders really screwed the Bucks...they desperately could use his rebounding, shot-blocking and interior defense in this series.

I also think the Knight for Carter-Williams trade has been a big mistake for the Bucks - at least this year. Knight made that offense go and now they just don't have the outside shooting or the playmaker at the end of games and end of shot-clocks. Maybe Parker and/or Giannis develop into that player down the road, but I highly doubt Carter-Williams ever will. He simply can't shoot.

The Bucks weren't going to go long this year even with Knight. He didn't want to stay in Milwaukee so it was best that they got something for him and set themselves up for the long run.

(And I realize that you are pretty much saying the same thing when you added "at least this year.")

[Goose85]

Losing Parker and Sanders, your starting center and PF, really hurt. Great job by the Bucks getting to where they are this season.

In addition to being young, one thing the Bucks really have going for them seems to be Kidd. I think he still has a lot of cred with players in the League. That may help the Bucks land a free agent this off season, not a top line guy, but a second tier free agent. Need to land a scorer in the draft, as I don't think a big guy will fall to the Bucks position.

Next season could be a fun one from start to finish for the Bucks if they are able to be healthy and add a piece or two from the draft / free agency.

I'm happy for Butler, and like to cheer for him, but just don't like to lose to the Bulls. He has certainly put himself in position for a max contract.

[AbovetheRim]

The Bucks weren't going to go long this year even with Knight. He didn't want to stay in Milwaukee so it was best that they got something for him and set themselves up for the long run.

(And I realize that you are pretty much saying the same thing when you added "at least this year.")

Maybe you know more on the subject and the people I know are off, but that is not what I have been told. When he was in Milwaukee, he was trending toward a max or close to max type player this off season. Bill Simmons actually described him as a "market max" player, a guy that shouldn't get max money but with the TV contract money coming, some team would roll the dice.

At that time, the Bucks decided they didn't value him as a max guy nor did they want to pay him like it. Seems prudent given past decision making that has dug massive holes for the organization.

[mufan2003]

Maybe you know more on the subject and the people I know are off, but that is not what I have been told. When he was in Milwaukee, he was trending toward a max or close to max type player this off season. Bill Simmons actually described him as a "market max" player, a guy that shouldn't get max money but with the TV contract money coming, some team would roll the dice.

At that time, the Bucks decided they didn't value him as a max guy nor did they want to pay him like it. Seems prudent given past decision making that has dug massive holes for the organization.

This is my understanding as well. Nothing to do with Knight not wanting to be in Milwaukee. Bucks were getting word that at least 1 team would offer max-contract money. Bucks liked Knight but not at that price. J Kidd and Bucks have liked MWC, so they decided to make the deal rather than lose Knight for nothing.

[Markedman]

Maybe you know more on the subject and the people I know are off, but that is not what I have been told. When he was in Milwaukee, he was trending toward a max or close to max type player this off season. Bill Simmons actually described him as a "market max" player, a guy that shouldn't get max money but with the TV contract money coming, some team would roll the dice.

At that time, the Bucks decided they didn't value him as a max guy nor did they want to pay him like it. Seems prudent given past decision making that has dug massive holes for the organization.

This is my understanding as well.......he liked Milwaukee and wanted to stay...he just wanted more money then the Bucks wanted to pay him. I think he was genuinely surprised and upset by the trade.....but these are decisions that NBA teams face.

ps Here is a nice article on Jimmy........bucks(and a bunch of other teams) could have had him but how could you know? He sure likes Milwaukee......lol

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/jon-...time-for-bulls

[TheSultan]

Maybe you know more on the subject and the people I know are off, but that is not what I have been told. When he was in Milwaukee, he was trending toward a max or close to max type player this off season. Bill Simmons actually described him as a "market max" player, a guy that shouldn't get max money but with the TV contract money coming, some team would roll the dice.

At that time, the Bucks decided they didn't value him as a max guy nor did they want to pay him like it. Seems prudent given past decision making that has dug massive holes for the organization.

OK, yeah you are probably right here.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

What Jimmy Butler is doing to the Bucks right now is silly... Has 28 through 2 1/2 quarters... On pace for 40+... Making it look so easy, it is amazing how good he has become, definitely earned himself some money this year... I said he should have taken the deal he was offered this year, but man was he right to wait.

[mufan2003]

Jimmy is phenomenal. This Bucks team reminds me of 2000. Back then, first round was best of 5. Milwaukee took Indiana to 5 games. An Indiana team that represented the East in the Finals. Coached by Larry Bird, lost to the Lakers in the Finals. The outcome of this series is irrelevant, winning a game on the home court was important. A changing of the guard might be on the horizon.

[MU/Panther]

Fear the Deer!

[mufan2003]

Fear the Deer!

Amen brother!