Deja Vu
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.
It has always been a clear and vivid memory. It was the Bucks first training camp practice in 1986. I was beginning my first season as the Television Play-by-play announcer for the Bucks. It was also the first NBA practice for Scott Skiles.
Jack Sikma had just been acquired by the Bucks over that summer, and also made his first official appearance as a Buck that day. I had known Jack since his junior year at Illinois Wesleyan, so he was one of the first players that I said hello to that morning.
Jack knew all of the Bucks of course, but I remember him being particularly inclusive with Skiles. He welcomed Scott to their new team in a way that Sidney Moncrief, Terry Cummings, Paul Pressey and others were unable to do. Jack embraced Skiles as if they were equal in their newness to Milwaukee.
Sikma actually made me feel that way as well. He knew this was my rookie NBA season. After that first practice, Jack invited me to join Scott and him for lunch. I will never forget that gesture.
I don’t remember what we talked about, but I do remember listening and watching the veteran indoctrinate and make Skiles as comfortable as possible.
Jack used humor to open the door. Scott laughed easily and without pretense. I remember being impressed that a former NBA champion would reach out the way Sikma did that day, and also the ease with which Skiles fit into his new life.
I was convinced that both guys were perfectly suited to their line of work. I also think that while both men have grown, neither has changed appreciably in the years since. The substance I saw in both on that October day long ago is still very visible.
There is an honesty in that, and truth. If a man grows but doesn’t change his core, he tends to be authentic. In my opinion, the Bucks have a very authentic head coach. We can’t ask for more than that, but I’m pretty certain we will get even more.
Jack Sikma is currently an assistant coach in Houston. I wonder if Skiles will extend a hand toward Jack the way Sikma did 22 years ago. It’s just a random thought at this point but it would complete a circle should it happen.
That's a wrap
Posted on April 18, 2008 at 2:52 p.m.
Even when it is needed and warranted, the end of an NBA season is a tough thing to cope with for a few days. This year, the end of the regular season is actually a positive as it put the Bucks on immediate notice that the 2008-09 season starts now.
It didn’t take long to get started on next season, in fact, most of us had moved ahead mentally several weeks ago. When John Hammond was hired last Saturday, it was official that a new era of Bucks basketball had begun.
John quickly and decisively made his decision on Larry Kystkowiak. I always am saddened when good people don’t succeed. Larry worked very hard, cared very deeply about the Bucks and had a great attitude about life and basketball. He will be fine. Like all of us, he will find a way to turn a perceived “failure” into a positive. I wish him, Jan and their family nothing but the best. They are very good people.
If first impressions have value, John Hammond is golden. He is so ready for this opportunity and so prepared to handle it well. It didn’t take long to realize that he has a well thought out approach to his business. Confidence and preparedness appear to have collided in John Hammond’s life at a very good time for the Bucks. I will enjoy watching him transform this team and this organization.
Real winners are absolute. There is no substitute for doing things the right way, no shortcuts. It is a culture that everyone will have to understand, and find a way to fit into. That is an exciting possibility for everyone from players to announcers.
The next step is hiring a coach. I am certain that we will all be impressed with the man John Hammond selects. The coach will reflect the need, and have the ability, to change the current culture and expectations.
Last Saturday, I asked Hammond if you teach or demand defense and he responded by saying, “both.” Including the demand element in any successful enterprise is crucial. There must be leadership (teaching) and accountability (demands) in order to change the culture and to be successful.
As a fan, I think you have to be impressed with the early winds of change. Spring has brought the end to our season, but the breezes are carrying a different message this year. I believe you will be more than ready to enjoy and participate in those changes come fall.
A couple of notes: I can’t leave without commenting on Ramon Sessions. What a joy to watch a rookie embrace his time in the NBDL, patiently wait through a disappointing injury just after being called up and then burst into the NBA they way Ramon has.
His 20 point 24 assist game against Chicago last Monday was as thrilling to me as Michael Redd’s 57 points against Utah was two seasons ago.
History making performances are the pinnacle of what we do for a living. I’ve always said the beauty of sports is that there is always a chance you may see something you’ve never seen before or something that has never happened before. So thanks to Ramon Sessions for another indelible memory.
My season isn’t over. I’ll try to be here regularly through the summer with updates and thoughts on the Bucks progress. I hope you’ll check in once in a while.
Have a great summer. Maybe I’ll see you at the Bucks Experience shows at Summerfest.
Oh, Canada
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 11:11 p.m.
With no television coverage tonight from Toronto, I thought I would blog during the game. I’ll offer some random thoughts and observations.
When we arrived in Toronto this morning about 2:30 a.m., I flipped on the TV and the first thing I saw was hockey coverage. It was the same thing this morning. I knew for sure I was in a foreign country.
For the first time in over twenty years, the US dollar is worth less than the Canadian dollar. Not by much, but it is a big change from the days when a dollar would bring $1.50 Canadian. Canadians are flocking to America to shop even with a fairly even exchange rate, as goods are so much cheaper in the U.S.
The Raptors presented one of the best National Anthems of the season in my opinion. A steel band duo played beautifully mellow versions of the U.S. and Canadian anthems. It was unique and excellent.
I joined Ted Davis for a brief pre-game chat on the Bucks Radio Network tonight. He and I will also visit at halftime. He must think an announcer with a night off is a bad thing! I enjoy our conversations.
The Bucks (0-6) and the Raptors (0-4) are as cold as a hockey rink to start this game. Charlie Villanueva has hit the Bucks first shot and has scored their firs 11 points. He is 4-7 with the rest of the bucks 0-8 with 3:30 to play in the first quarter. Bobby Simmons just broke all of that up to tie the game at 13. (Toronto 23 – Milwaukee 18 after one. Charlie V. has 14 of the Bucks 18 points.) Andrew Bogut has no shots in 12 minutes.
The Air Canada Center is not as cold as a hockey rink tonight. In fact, it is the hottest hockey building in the NBA. I’m told the Maple Leafs announcer wears a topcoat during his broadcasts. They crank up the air conditioner for hockey and this place is freezing. Strange.
Charlie Villanueva has just drained three straight 3’s! The Bucks bench is standing, and laughing. Even Larry K has a big smile. CV can’t be stopped. He has 25 points and 7 rebounds and all six of Milwaukee’s 3-pointers, all in just 15 minutes. Donyell Marshall hit 12 threes against Philadelphia here two years ago. This is the way Charlie played when he popped for 48 against the Bucks in Milwaukee a few years ago.
Villanueva ends up with 27 points and 9 rebounds in the first half, a total detonation. Andrew Bogut had no shots at the half.
During halftime, Toronto fans were questioning the T.J. Ford – Villanueva trade. They were happy last season before they knew how effective Jose Calderone is.
Charlie V. finishes with a season high 38 points with 12 rebounds. He has hit 14 of 25 shots tonight with 6 threes. He’ll tell you that two of his highest scoring games have come in losses.
The Bucks allowed Toronto to hit 54.2% of its shots. 111-93 the final.
Time to return to the States.
Jonny Mac
Posted on April 4, 2008 at 1:05 p.m.
Thirty-one years ago, the Bucks retired Jon McGlocklin’s number 14. Tonight, that number will be re-dedicated at the Bradley Center during halftime of the Bucks-Pacers game.
So many thoughts run through my mind when I remember my broadcast partner for the last 22 seasons. We have been through so much together both personally and professionally over that period of time. I hope you don’t mind if I share a few of those thoughts with you.
Check out this picture. Jon actually had some muscles at one point in his life.
(courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
We have had such a great time getting on each other and laughing with you every night. Jon and I have enjoyed the highest moments of the Bucks success and suffered with you through the low points. Somehow we always seem to enjoy or endure whatever a season gives us.
He has shared in the joy I felt when adopting my son many years ago, and the difficult but positive changes in my life in recent years. I have enjoyed the marriages of his children and the birth of his grandchildren and have tried to help during the difficult times Jon has had.
It really has been a close relationship on so many levels. We scold each other when it’s needed and lift each other up when we can. We have been there for each other in good times and bad. I think it is something we can both count on.
The point of all this is to let you know that in broadcasting, people are put together randomly and everyone hopes there is chemistry. With Jon and me, there has been more than chemistry. What you witness on our broadcast is always real. It’s not some two and a half hour sugar-coated presentation. We just sit down as Jim and Jon and hope that you enjoy it with us.
Jon was an incredible basketball player. He is an accomplished broadcaster. Most importantly, Jon is a great friend to so many people. His work with the MACC Fund is a remarkable lifetime achievement. His dedication to the Bucks ties everything together.
The “Original Buck” is truly an original. When we drop his number tonight, I will point out that so many people are woven into the fabric of that banner. I am very proud to be part of that fabric. That banner will always represent a large portion of the best days and nights of my life.
Thanks John.
In my dreams
Posted on April 3, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
What a great moment for Ramon Sessions last night in Washington. In a series that has had a recent history of game-winning buzzer beaters, the rookie had his moment.
On the plane last night, I asked Ramon if he had ever won a game like that and he simply said, “In my dreams.” He was beaming and really enjoying the moment. It is fun for everyone when a player experiences that kind of joy.
While calling the final play, it seemed liked a very long 1.1 seconds. The play was designed to go to Andrew Bogut for the shot. When he was double teamed, he passed the ball to Sessions. At that moment, I thought there wouldn’t be enough time for a pass and shot.
When Ramon let it go quickly, my sense was that it was good. It took Steve Javie and the officiating crew a while to determine that the ball was out of Sessions hands with one tenth of a second on the clock. They had to look at the play frame by frame.
The Washington timekeeper immediately became a focal point. After reflection, I reminded myself that each official can start the clock on the court and that the timekeeper is a fourth source. A computer printout would determine which device actually started the clock.
It was a great moment and keeps the string of thrilling finishes in the Bucks-Wizards series going. Now Sessions can claim the same status as Mo Williams and Gilbert Arenas. The kid got his “shot” just 9 games into his NBA career.
Happy days
Posted on March 28, 2008 at 2:51 p.m.
Richie and Potsie aren't here, but everyone else has returned to Milwaukee for the Bucks 40th Anniversary Celebration. At least the members of the 20-man team that aren't playing or coaching.
The players arrived yesterday. Oscar Robertson held a book signing at the Bradley Center before heading to a 40th team dinner.
Today, the former players met with the media after the Bucks shoot-around. It was great to see them greet each other, and to see them smile during interviews that are much less contentious than they might have been during their careers.
Eddie Doucette will join me tonight at halftime as we welcome and remember these former Bucks greats. Oscar's #1 will be rededicated tonight as well. If you can't be with us tonight, FSN-Wisconsin will have complete coverage starting with Bucks Live at 7:00.
I hope you enjoy the history.
The Apprentice
Posted on March 21, 2008 at 1:23 p.m.
Long before Donald Trump made big television money off the concept, Larry Harris implemented a familiar career strategy on his way to becoming an NBA general manager: Get in the door, learn everything you can from the best in the business, become accomplished, be patient and be ready when the time comes.
I clearly remember Larry’s arrival in Milwaukee. He joined his father Del and the family business continued.
Like a true apprentice, Larry started as a video coordinator and worked his way to the top. In his first position, Harris watched countless hours of videotape and learned every nuance of the NBA game. The foundation was a solid one.
During every step of his 20 years in Milwaukee, Larry made friends, good friends. He was accessible. That is one of the indelible marks he has made on Milwaukee.
This week, Bradley Center electricians and maintenance workers remembered Larry as an equal, which is a great testament. One said, “Every time I passed him in the hall he would say hello no matter who he was walking with. You can’t say that about everybody.” Other people went out of their way to say goodbye or at least be remembered to Larry.
Over 22 seasons, I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. It is never easy to say good-bye. That is particularly true in this case.
Larry Harris clearly understood what role Jon McGlocklin and I have to fill. He helped us become more knowledgeable and was always available to us.
Larry was also very inclusive. He would take the broadcasters and public relations staff to dinner at least twice a season on the road. We’ve had a standing outing in Portland every season and look forward to playing in Oregon every year.
You can debate anyone’s successes and contributions. In the case of Larry Harris, there is no debating his depth of character, thoughtfulness, generosity and passion.
Larry is the antithesis of Piers Morgan.
I learned a lot from Larry and will watch his future steps with pride and anticipation.
Awards preview
Posted on March 20, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.
About this time of year, I start to get requests for my thoughts on the various NBA awards that will be voted on late in the season. I haven’t received the NBA ballots yet, but the media requests are coming in.
New Orleans asked a handful of reporters for their thoughts at this point and put together this article.
I really like the argument Conrad Brunner has made on behalf of Mike Dunleavy as the Most Improved Player. Now I have something else to consider. I’m never really sure of my votes until I hit “send” in my e-mail account. That is what makes the process enjoyable. (I still like Turkoglu’s improvement and he has really killed the Bucks.)
Book Blast
Posted on March 19, 2008 at 2:34 p.m.
The Bradley Center court was buzzing this afternoon with over one thousand Milwaukee Public School students. The entire Bucks coaching staff and all of the players took part in the annual Book Blast in conjunction with the Sam’s hope Literacy Foundation.
The players and coaches read to the students and answered their questions. Each student left with a new book.
The Bucks Book Blast Giveaway is one of more than 50 Milwaukee Bucks community relations programs serving people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.
Let’s eavesdrop on this great event.
Dunk you very much
Posted on March 14, 2008 at 11:48 a.m.
I ran across an article by Michael Lee in the Washington Post today that I found interesting. Lee uses a pair of Nick Young dunks against Andrew Bogut on Tuesday, as impetus to reflect on Bogut’s improvement.
Here are a few excepts:
Nick Young did me a favor last night. The rook helped me focus my attention on a player that I often forget about when he drove down the lane in the second quarter, cocked back the ball and jack-hammered a dunk over Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut.
Bogut was on the receiving end of one of the nastiest dunks of the season, but the fact that he would even contest the shot - and later stuffed Young on another dunk attempt - told me a lot about far the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft has come and how he continues to grow.
After the game, I asked Bogut about being in Young's second poster - the dunk over LeBron James should be on some kid's wall next year - and Bogut's answer told me even more about him. "I'm trying to be a bit more of a shot blocker this year," Bogut said with a shrug. "And if you're going to be a shot blocker, you're going to get dunked on."
Bogut has more blocks this season (109) than in his first two seasons combined (103) and ranks 11th in the NBA in blocks per game (1.7). It's just another facet of the game where Bogut continues to improve. He's scoring more points (13.5) and grabbing more rebounds (9.2) this season as well.
When folks talk about the future of the center position with Shaquille O'Neal no longer a dominant force, Bogut's name is rarely brought up. He plays for a mediocre team in Milwaukee, so there rarely is a reason to even think about him. But after watching Bogut score 23 points with 12 rebounds and three blocked shots against Washington, Bogut might have to be included in the discussion of the league's best young center over the next few years.
Some might argue that Bogut isn't even the best center from his draft class named Andrew (Bynum would get a few votes). But at the very least, the 23-year-old, ambidextrous Australian should soon find himself as Howard's backup for the East in the All-Star Game.
He is eligible for a lucrative contract extension this summer. "I would definitely like to get extended," Bogut said, "but obviously, we also want to see the direction of the franchise. I think it's stable, but you want it to be more stable."
Some interesting quotes don’t you agree? In fairness, here is the link if you would like to read the entire article.
Rookie Wall
Posted on March 6, 2008 at 7:19 p.m.
What is this current fascination with the so-called “Rookie Wall?” Everyone always refers to it, believes it exists, thinks they see it and accepts it as a fact.
Now, USA Today apparently has statistically disproved the theory.
Obviously, the “wall” is unique to each rookie. The conditions vary by individual. I have always felt rookies have to make an adjustment to the number of games in their first NBA season. Then you have players like Yi, Jianlian who have been playing steadily for many months. Did he hit the “Rookie Wall,” the “International Wall,” or has he just been playing through every wall placed in front of him?
There are no quantitative answers. Maybe the theory is just un-provable fodder.
Larry Krystkowiak was recently asked what he thought about Yi and the “wall.”
Three 4's
Posted on March 6, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.
With Brett Favre’s retirement, Wisconsin has an interesting niche in retired numbers.
Obviously, no one will ever wear Favre’s number 4 in Green Bay. No one will wear Sidney Moncrief’s number 4 with the Bucks or Paul Molitor’s number 4 with the Brewers.
If you can find another state that has the same number retired by at least three of its professional teams, I would be interested in that. While I haven’t spent a lot of time on this, I can’t easily come up with a similar scenario.
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