In yesterday’s post regarding the importance of the Bucks holding on to Ersan Ilyasova and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, I mentioned that it seemed within reason that Milwaukee would trade one of them for someone who could play backup point guard. Obviously, this didn’t excite many. Personally, I think that would be a disaster and it’s hopefully a far fetched premise. But that doesn’t change the fact that the backup point guard position needs to be addressed before the off season ends.

The “before the off season ends” caveat does allow lots of time, mind you. We haven’t even started the Vegas Summer League yet and next season doesn’t start for four more months. So Milwaukee has plenty of time to poke around, kick tires and generally explore numerous options for their backup point guard next season.

And there seems to be options-a-plenty on the free agent market.

As I’m one to do, I’ve categorized the available free agent point guards in a variety of ways. I’ve grouped together players that I deem as realistic options for Milwaukee and others that won’t end up here due to monetary or playing time demands. I also made a special category for Allen Iverson.

Group One: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NO

Allen Iverson

See. AI was long my favorite player and a book chronicling Iverson’s journey “Only the Strong Survive” by Larry Platt, is one of my favorites. But not here, not now. The reasons are as obvious as they are plentiful. Read more…

After a few days off to recharge my battery, I’m back with the final segment of the Haiku Reviews. Coming in the next week will be more on potential free agent targets and a draft page. Stay tuned this week.

Jodie Meeks

Shots caromed off rim
Motor never stopped running
It paid off later.

Meeks struggled mightily when given opportunities in Milwaukee, but flashed the shooting touch so many saw at Kentucky when given a more significant opportunity in Philadelphia. In baseball, people often discuss how difficult for young players to fill a utility role where they’re asked to pinch hit frequently. They simply don’t get enough reps to be successful. Well, that may have been the case for Meeks. He shot under 30% on threes for the Bucks this season, but hit nearly 40% for Philadelphia and was at 50% in his final month when his playing time ticked up. Meeks may have benefitted the Bucks more by not playing this season or getting time in the D-League. Perhaps they wouldn’t have given up on him so soon if they saw him progressing with more regular time. Milwaukee received a second round pick for Meeks, so they essential have an opportunity to start over next season and hope they’ll get a better fit. Read more…

Another trade has been made.

From TrueHoop:

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a trade that will send Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson to the Philadelphia 76ers for Primoz Brezec, Royal Ivey and a second-round draft pick, two league sources told ESPN.com NBA Insider Chad Ford.

Also, from the Milwaukee Bucks:

The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired guard/forward John Salmons (6-6, 207) from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Hakim Warrick and forward Joe Alexander, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Additionally, the Bucks obtained Chicago’s second round draft pick in 2011 and 2012, as well as the option of switching first round draft picks in the 2010 NBA Draft, so long as Chicago’s first round pick is from number 11 through number 30.

So, for those of you keeping track at home the Bucks draft pick situation looks a lil’ something like this:

Nine picks in the next three drafts … for the Bucks!  Unheard of.

Essentially, the Bucks traded Jodie Meeks for a second round pick.  Yes, we all had high hopes for Jodie Meeks when he first arrived on the scene, hitting threes in summer league and looking okay during the pre-season.  But it hasn’t happened for him during the year and he’s currently hitting just 28 percent of his three-point attempts.  In other words, Meeks is a shooter who hasn’t proved he can shoot yet.  Maybe he will, he’s young and has plenty of time, but in the mean time, the Bucks get another second round pick that could have an impact or may get packaged in another move down the road.

Flexibility was the buzz word surrounding Hammond’s moves last summer and the word rings true again today.

UPDATE:  John Hammond will be having a press conference at 4 PM (CST).  I’ll have more information later in the evening (I’m going to the Marquette game after).

It’s the pressing question that is surprising to say the least.  I mean, the guy was once given a $90 million contract.  He’s likely going to end his career the Bucks all-time leading scorer.  He’s averaged over 20 points in six consecutive years.  Is it simply a case of a favorable schedule lining up for the Bucks at the right time, or is there really something to this current squad’s makeup.  The question is being tossed around Milwaukee with vivacity these days.

Are the Bucks better off without Michael Redd? Read more…