2008-2009 Finish: 49-33

What went well

Bucks GM Badwolf is a man who can't sit still. Whether he's blowing up his team with yet another franchise-shaking trade or patrolling the NLL rules and message boards for the slightest error, he is the best and worst of NLL GMs rolled into one: he is dedicated but sometimes can just push a little too hard. After the 07/08 season where the Bucks collapsed under his yoke and his million and a half trades, Badwolf took the 08 summer to regroup and focus his team to win.

Regrouping meant changing very little, at least initially. Though Andre Brown slipped out the back door, Delonte West and Patrick O'Bryant re-signed. Badwolf made no trades and signed no free agents. The Bucks were ready to rock and roll.

But after a few hit or miss weeks, the old Badwolf returned. He sent West and the rights for Stanko Barac to the Pistons for Jason Maxiell and Rashad McCants. Then he flipped both of those players and the rights to Josh Childress to the self-destructing Phoenix Suns for Eric Gordon and Joey Graham. That seemed to be enough for the Bucks for a little while as Gordon turned into a potent offensive weapon.


What went bad

Despite a late season losing streak, the Bucks still finished third in the Eastern Conference, losing out on a tiebreaker with the Sixers. Bogut was lost for the season, forcing the team to rely on Joel Przybilla at center. Unfortunately, the lower seeded, but more experienced New Jersey Nets stung the Bucks in the first round, killing the young team's hopes to push deep into the playoffs. Knowing Badwolf, heads would roll shortly after.

Stars

- Bucks Young Stars-

Wilson Chandler, Eric Gordon, Thaddeus Young and Russell Westbrook have an average age of less than 21 years, yet they are one of the most potent cores in the league. All four work in tandem to create the definition of teamwork. It will be exciting to see how this group grows together in the years to come, if Badwolf doesn't decide to blow them up again.


Goat

- Bobby Simmons, GF –

Simmons is the highest paid player on the Bucks, yet he only played in 40 games. Those young guys mentioned above should put him to shame. Enjoy the cash, Bobby.


Looking to the future

With the season, Badwolf rolled up his sleeves and made some trades. Are you surprised? He sent his 1st round pick to the Grizzlies for center DeAndre Jordan. He then sold two 2nd rounders to the foolish Pacers for GM for points, leaving the team with no stake in the lottery. Then came some trades. O'Bryant went to the Thunder for Mardy Collins and a 2nd rounder. Then somehow the team absorbed Reggie Evans, Chuck Hayes and Ryan Anderson for nothing in a deal with the T'wolves and the Wizards. Finally, in what could be the most lopsided deal before the summer, Badwolf sweet talked to the naive Charlotte GM into taking Shaun Livingston and Amir Johnson for both his draft picks and Jerry Stackhouse. And yes, Stackhouse will most definitely be cheaper or off the roster come the beginning of the season.

As the season begins, the Bucks sit with 15 signed players with Bogut, Martell Webster and Graham to re-sign. With new league rules in place, the team will have to make some moves first. Expect Graham to walk. The team will still need to waive or give away two guys before they can re-sign Bogut and Webster. Beyond that, the Bucks are fairly solid and really don't need to make many moves. But knowing Badwolf, the temptation may be too great and this time next year we could be wondering what would have happened if he kept his young nucleus together....