Words of Wisdom For The Old Guys

If you’re interested in reading indegestible garbage disguised as writing, you’re in the right place. We’re back with another installment of “Regular Dude Talks Bucks Basketball.” If you missed the first 2, these are the things my pea brain (still better than shams tho) would say to all important members of the Milwaukee Bucks organization. Today we’re directly addressing the old heads in the locker room (1 or more years of service). Crazy to think these are the only dudes who have a year or more in Bucks colors under their belts but hey I’m honestly not too upset about it.

Gary Trent Jr.: Gamble away.

With one of GA, Myles, and Jericho being on the court at all times you have a rim protector to cover your misses. Be aggressive, I know I don’t have to tell you that offensively you absolute flamethrower. I’m talking defensively, I want to see more of what we saw in the playoffs. Make passing lanes uncomfortable, make people pay for throwing lazy passes, mark your name into the top defensive disrupters in the league. It doesn’t need to be with on ball defense brother but if you can be top 5 in the league in steals we will be an elite defensive team.

AJ Green: Make the midrange your domain.

Don’t get me wrong AJ, we need you to fire away from 3 with reckless abandon, but with the entire league knowing how dangerous you are from out there you’re going to get run off the line as much as possible. Not that you haven’t dealt with this before but you’ve yet to make NBA teams scared of running you off the line. If you can add a 1 or 2 dribble mid range pull up to your game the league will not be able to handle it. I need 8-10 3pa per game and at least 4 midrange pull up attempts. No ifs ands or buts brother.

Bobby Portis: Keep the fellas ready at all times.

Big Bob my man I can’t lie I have a love hate relationship with your game. I’ll save the long winded explanation but I know I’m not the only Bucks fan who feels that way. Regardless of that you play with more energy than 99% of players I’ve seen don a Bucks jersey purple, red, or green and white. For that you’ll always have my respect. All I ask from you is to make sure we bring it every single game. No excuses and no throwing guys under the bus. I don’t want to see us dropping easy games to shit teams because we look like we don’t want to be there. If someone isn’t playing with enough energy I’m gonna be looking at you to hit them in the mouth. Not literally though bro please don’t punch anyone.

Ryan Rollins: Play smart and make your open shots.

If I’m being honest Ryan I see your ceiling as a #2 option on a championship team. Mostly cause I’ve seen you make the right reads on both sides of the ball and hit some big shots to keep us in games. While other guys might need to chuck up a ton of shots to fill that role your game is efficient enough to fit seamlessly into the offense and for you to put up pretty decent numbers without forcing the issue. Let other guys play themselves into or out of that role while you quietly impact winning. Defensively keep doing you bro I got no complaints on that end.

Taurean Prince: Remember how to shoot in the playoffs.

Let’s be real TP, the Bucks are going to make the playoffs. For whatever reason guys who’ve played this game their whole lives have their muscle memory abandon them when crunch time comes calling. Don’t be that guy. Last year I’m not gonna lie I was disappointed. I don’t have the stats in front of me but I don’t think you shot poorly percentage wise, it just felt like every game that came down to the wire we couldn’t count on you down the stretch. I can’t remember off the top of my head a single shot you made of consequence during the playoffs. That’s ok I possess the grace necessary to forgive, if it happens again though? Forget it brother I will always remember you as a player and that’s it.

Andre Jackson Jr.: Shoot more corner 3’s.

I can’t lie to you bro I can’t stand your offensive game. I’ll save the details but you combine Kuz’s cluelessness with the ball in his hands with Jericho’s jitters. Keep your chin up tho king it’s not all bad. You shoot a respectable percentage from the corners (wack ass shot aside). If you can double your volume and maintain close to last season’s percentage you might actually see run to close out games. As long as you literally touch the ball as little as possible in between corner 3 attempts that is. Defensively you have my respect more than anyone tasked with checking wings on the roster so don’t lose it.

BuT rEGulAr DuDE whEreS GiANnis? I had to save the best for last, we’ll be covering Wisconsin basketball’s first family tomorrow before the season opener. Here’s to a Christmas Eve ass night 🍻.