The Bucks have made clear that, while they won’t be particularly active in the free agent market in 2010, 2011 is an opportunity for them.  Many people have asked me who they may or may not be targeting and up to this point I’ve said, “I haven’t been able to get a look at the free agents to be.”

We’ll I’ve gotten a look.

Here’s a breakdown of some free agents to be with some comments on how they might fit with the Bucks going forward.  I didn’t look  at any restricted free agents, it’s not often that they switch teams, especially the better ones.

Big Names

Carmelo Anthony (ETO) – Anthony has an early termination option and a history of playing in cold weather cities (Syracuse).  Plus, the Bucks can probably pay as well as Syracuse did too!  Denver’s aging quickly and relies on a variety of headcases around Anthony to get things done.  Coach George Karl may be interested in stepping down in the next few years after he beats cancer again and the Nuggets generally have the look of a team that has their window open for one maybe two more years.  It’s not unrealistic to think Anthony would consider leaving Denver, but it does seem unrealistic that he’d come to Milwaukee.  If New York strikes out this summer, they may be interested in Anthony in two years.

Tim Duncan (ETO) /Tony Parker – Duncan seems a surefire bet to end his career in San Antonio, and while I think Parker will end up staying there, it’s worth noting that he’ll be on the market completely unrestricted.  Parker doesn’t seem a logical fit with the Bucks though, as they’ve hitched their wagon to Brandon Jennings for the time being. Read more…

Recap/Box Score

It would be difficult for things to be anymore clear right now.

After fattening up on the tired, the weak and the poor, the Bucks had quite a challenge in front of them Sunday evening.  Awaiting them was the completely healthy, fourth best team in the East.  After playing the Hornets without Chris Paul and the Heat without Dwyane Wade the Bucks would have to beat the Hawks with everyone to establish themselves as the favorites for a back-half playoff spot in the conference, perhaps even as high as the fifth seed.

But the Bucks just couldn’t get over the hump – and it actually made a lot of sense.

Mental mistakes and inexperience are to blame for the blown leads, first a seven point lead with 3:40 to go in regulation and then a five point lead with 3:17 left in overtime, but when things got tight, they kind of shook out as anyone would expect. Read more…