The CSL

Well, the first feeling was obviously disappointment. When Kyle Lowry decided to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, many Bucks fans panicked at the sight of having no reliable point guard on the roster and having only minimum contracts to offer to free agents. Would any quality veteran playmaker want to sign a minimum deal to come to Milwaukee?

But the Front Office, while admitting the blow, reacted in a different way. They knew which skillsets have already on the squad and which were lacking, and without complaining, they put their personnel to work the phones. Just 24 hours later, three players agreed to terms to join the team. Three different skillsets, but all three on minimum contracts (two years with the second one being a player option in all three cases).

The first to sign was shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha. At age 34, Sefolosha knows perfectly what he can do and what he cannot do. And head coach Randy Wittman values that in high regard. The Swiss guard is not only a defensive stopper but has displayed also the ability to shoot the three. At 6'7" and 215 lbs, he can switch between the two and three spots, adding yet another versatile player to the mix. Sefolosha averaged 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks per game last season, in 28.3 minutes per game, shooting 33.9 % from the field and 23.1 % from outside. Still, his career three-point shooting average is 37.9 %.

Randy Wittman wrote:We're happy to have Thabo on the team. He's an experienced player who knows how to read the game. He will adapt quickly to our system, as he is a good fit. We know he's 34, so we'll monitor his minutes in order to get him peak for the playoffs. He will strengthen our defense, and that's something we were looking for.

The second signing was a point guard: Patrick Mills. The 29-year-old player lacks defense but is one the league's finest outside shooters (career 45.8 % from three-point range). Not only is he an accurate shooter, but also one that shoots, as he attempted 9.8 field goal attempts per 36 minutes last season. At 6'0" and 175 lbs, Mills is the lightest player on a heavy squad. He will sure bring some quickness to the Bucks offense when he's on the floor.

Randy Wittman wrote:We were chasing Pat for days. In fact, days before Kyle decided to leave, so his signing is not a consequence of Kyle's departure. We all know what Pat's here for: to shoot the ball. Whether he runs the offense or plays the off-guard position, we will decide that after training camp. Regarding skillsets, he and Ben are quite similar, but Pat is a proven veteran who gives you that extra comfort. Still, we think both can play minutes this season.

And last but not least: Kaleb Tarczewski. The 7'0" and 243 lbs, ironically, was drafted by the Bucks in 2015 and started his CSL career in Milwaukee. After stints in New York and Chicago, the 24-year-old center is coming back to Milwaukee. Tarczewski is a defensive specialist who blocks shots and helps in rebounding. He is still young and hungry to prove he belongs in the CSL. Alongside Josh Smith and Cady Lalanne, the Bucks now have three players who can alter shots and prevent the opponent from scoring in the paint.

Randy Wittman wrote:We needed another shotblocker in the team. We reached out to Jordan's agent, but we couldn't meet his demands, so we turned our attention into other potential candidates. Kaleb was one of them, and having started his pro career in Milwaukee, he was interested in coming back.

The Bucks have now 12 players under contract for next season, which is the league's minimum amount of players required, after also signing rookie Quincy Acy to a three-year contract a couple of days ago. The team still has some needs to cover, so we could see more signings in the coming days.

Really impressed with how you dealt with losing Lowry. No complaining, no accusations, just moves to bolster an already strong roster. You did well with what you had available and you've already displayed an impressive knowledge of the system in your short time here. Goodluck!

Man I feel bad, as Iosing Lowry is a tough blow to this ready to win now team. However, those signings should help you out, and Josh Smith should put up some great numbers for you.

You regrouped really nicely from Lowry and may even have better chemistry as LeBron Moose and Smith can shoot etc more though Lowry is the bigger asset of the 3 of course.

Team won't miss a beat without him truthfully in my estimation.

blackice wrote:Really impressed with how you dealt with losing Lowry. No complaining, no accusations, just moves to bolster an already strong roster. You did well with what you had available and you've already displayed an impressive knowledge of the system in your short time here. Goodluck!

I see what you did there, nice

Manu - Well done so far, dating back to your start with the team. It's always fun watching you go to work. The moves aren't always orthodox or obvious but it works every time!

Ocons wrote:

blackice wrote:Really impressed with how you dealt with losing Lowry. No complaining, no accusations, just moves to bolster an already strong roster. You did well with what you had available and you've already displayed an impressive knowledge of the system in your short time here. Goodluck!

I see what you did there, nice

Manu - Well done so far, dating back to your start with the team. It's always fun watching you go to work. The moves aren't always orthodox or obvious but it works every time!

I wasn't referring to you in particular, usually when guys lose a big piece a lot of complaining follows suit. Just in general. Trust me I have Amir, Turner and Saric on the market and I'm just waiting to go on a tirade if I lose one... .....

Losing Lowry hurt, but who knows it could be a blessing in disguise. There's only one basketball, and LeBron, Smith, and Monroe all need it.

We'll have some very good, interesting battles once again for sure!
Will James be able to contain Rose? Will Rose be able to contain James?

This guy is a class act. Took it on the chin and moved onto fixing it.

and no, that comment has nothing to do with Utah, lol. You're relatively new but many teams over the years spew when losing players.

blackice wrote:Really impressed with how you dealt with losing Lowry. No complaining, no accusations, just moves to bolster an already strong roster. You did well with what you had available and you've already displayed an impressive knowledge of the system in your short time here. Goodluck!

+1

I am going to be curious to see how they fit. While raising your price to retain lowry would certainly be an overpay, when your team is being built to contend now, and it was, losing Lowry should not be an option. You should have given an offer that ensured he remained in Milwaukee because losing him, at least imo, removed you from contention. Lowry was far more valuable to your team than any Josh Smith acquisition and unless you're able to acquire someone that can handle opposing pgs defensively better than Lebron can, you will fail to surpass last years success. At least that is my own opinion and anything can happen with injuries.