2009-2010 Finish: 60-22

What went well

In his three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Badwolf has established himself as one of the preeminent GMs in the league. He took a middling team and quickly turned it into a contender. And he did it by being cutthroat and without making any compromises. After bowing out against underdog New Jersey in a tight first round in the 2009 playoffs, Badwolf vowed history would not repeat itself.

After bilking Charlotte out of its picks and getting relief from Jerry Stackhouse’s canceled deal, the Bucks started the offseason on a mission. Both Andrew Bogut and Martell Webster re-upped their deals and the team wooed the suddenly hot Chris Andersen away from other contenders like the Sixers. Next, Badwolf sent Joel Przybilla (wisely) and Wilson Chandler to Jazz for Javale McGee and Morris Peterson as well as a draft pick to add to the coffer. And in probably the most inconsequential trade of the offseason, the Bucks sent Reggie Evans, Javaris Crittenton and Joe Alexander to the Grizzlies for Matt Harpring, Kelenna Azubuike and Byron Mullens. I’m not sure, but those six players probably combined for 10 games on the season in total.

In the early part of the season, the Bucks tore their way through opponents, winning almost every contest. They seemed absolutely unstoppable. Then, Bogut suffered a gut-wrenching injury that effectively ended his season. Then Eric Gordon got hurt. Then more guys. Yes, the Bucks became the walking wounded, limping their way to the playoffs.

However, it is worth noting that Wolf and his Bucks tied the league best record with 60-22. Both the Sixers and Nets established the record in 2006/07

What went worse

The eighth seeded Nets took out the Bucks in six games in the first series of the playoffs. Who knows what a fully healthy Bucks squad would have done. We’ll never know now.

Stars

- Russell Westbrook G -

Amid the carnage of the Bucks’ season, point guard Westbrook again played all 82 games, starting and missing zero games in 2 seasons. Once again, Westbrook scored more than 17ppg and upped his assists to 6.2apg. New Orlando GM Laddas looks again at Jerryd Bayless and shakes his head in disgust.


Goats

- Morris Peterson, G –

Light years away from his starting position on the Sixers the year they won the ring, Mo Pete is more or less dead weight, showing up to claim his check. And at more than $6 million per season, Pete should be doing more than 4.0ppg on 38% shooting. Remember when this guy was a feared sharpshooter?




Looking to the future

As soon as the season ended, the Bucks traded Gordon and Nick Young to the Indiana Pacers for even more draft picks. In the draft the Bucks had three first round picks and four second rounders. That’s seven rookies! Since there are so many to list, draftees of note include DeMarcus Cousins and Avery Bradley.

The Bucks come into the season with some roster decisions to make. Badwolf has let it be known he is desperate for shooting guard help and starting Jrue Holiday in that slot may not be the best idea. He also has a gazillion draftees he will need to cut or trade. Finally, Bogut has admitted that he is not entirely healthy.

Looking at this Bucks roster, it is impossible to see another 60 win team. But will the Bucks even be contenders? Guys like Webster and Thaddeus Young see their stock falling and Azubuike will be out until at least January. Rookie Cousins is getting a bad reputation already around the league and Bradley may even start out the season in the D-League. Don’t count Badwolf out, though. He will trade if he has to and although the Bucks are unlikely to repeat the success of the magical 2009/10 season, don’t look for them in the crosshairs. They will be hunting you.