The Buck Doesn't Stop Here

On paper, this Milwaukee Bucks team has fantastic potential.

Potential doesn't always pan out, though. But still, Bucks fans have to be optimistic. Summer changes didn't affect the key core of players - Sam Cassell, Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson and Tim Thomas - only the fatness of Tim's wallet was altered - but while a few less-than-spectacular role players have packed up and gone away, Milwaukee welcomes point guard Lyndsey Hunter and power forward Jason Caffey, plus rookie center Joel Przybilla from the University of Minnesota to their squad.

Caffey has starting experience with the Golden State Warriors. While that may not be saying much, he should help bring a bit of toughness to what has been a very weak Milwaukee Bucks front line.

Lyndsey Hunter, a long-time starter for the Detroit Pistons, isn't the best first guard option in the world, but is a fantastic backup to have. Being able to bring him off the bench when Sam Cassell or Ray Allen sit down is a luxury.

Both Caffey and Hunter are under 30 years old.

Darvin Ham is still on the team as well, ready to bring intensity and inspire truckloads of silly puns revolving around his last name.

Also, Rafer Alston remains a Milwaukee Buck, ready to sit on the bench and tell stories about what it's like to be worshipped as a New York City playground legend. He probably knows lots of good underground hip-hop groups to listen to. That's a bonus.

One big question is how much time will be split between Tim Thomas and Glenn Robinson. Both guys are small forwards. Thomas is more versatile, but shouldn't be forced to guard power forwards or shooting guards too often.

But, having too many talented players is one of the best problems a coach can have.

Assuming Caffey and Przybilla can defend and rebound, and the Tim Thomas - Glenn Robinson glut at small forward works out positively, this year's Bucks should do far more than merely scrap their way into the 8th Eastern Conference playoff spot.

InsideHoops.com
9/7/2000

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