Milwaukee Bucks

Last year Bucks center Larry Sanders was playing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, trying to show he belonged in the league.

Spruce Derden – USA Today Sports Images The Milwaukee Bucks made the 2013 NBA Playoffs, but that’s about the only positive thing that can be said about their postseason and, really, their season as a whole. Their season was largely a power struggle between head coaches, Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis that culminated in falling backwards into the playoffs and getting swept in the first round. The Bucks are likely going to be cleaning house this off-season in more than one way. Jennings, Ellis and J.J. Redick will all likely be going into the free agent market and fleeing for other destinations. Milwaukee also has a vacancy at their head coaching position which they are going to be trying to fill this summer. According to reports, the Bucks are going to be swinging for the fences as current Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins is on their radar and at the top of the list. Hollins’ contract runs up at the end of this season and the Bucks are looking to lure him away from the Grizzlies, who are still playing in the playoffs as of right now. There’s no telling whether Hollins would want to leave Memphis, if Memphis will offer him enough money, or if he would even want to take a job in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, though, if Hollins were to become the next head coach of the Bucks, it would be fantastic to see the work he could do with Larry Sanders. Hollins is currently coaching two elite big men in Memphis: Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Randolph is an offensive threat and an elite rebounder. Gasol is the Defensive Player of the Year and a solid rebounder as well. Part of that is their ability, but they also benefit from Hollins’ coaching as Hollins has also learned from them. If Hollins were to come to Milwaukee, he would be able to help shape and form one of the brightest young frontcourt players in the game in Sanders. Sanders is already an elite shot-blocker and rebounder, but his skills and game still need honing. Hollins is the perfect guy to help him grow in that regard. No one knows if it will actually happen, but Sanders could be a Defensive Player of the Year real soon if he were under the tutelage of Hollins. Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.

The Milwaukee Bucks are going to try to make Lionel Hollins their next head coach. Can’t knock the hustle. (Photo: Yahoo! Sports) The Milwaukee Bucks coaching search hasn’t been short on its big names.  Though proven coaches like Stan Van Gundy and Jerry Sloan have not reacted favorably to overtures, that hasn’t stopped John Hammond and company from reaching out to others. Per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, as first reported by Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal-Times: If you believe some insightful NBA officials, it’s simply because the Bucks are playing the waiting game. They are biding their time until the Memphis Grizzlies’ season ends and they can talk to Grizzlies free-agent in-waiting coach Lionel Hollins. Awww. Hollins has amassed a 196-155 record since taking over as Grizzlies coach midway through the 08-09 season, with playoff appearances in the past three seasons.  He currently has his team battling for a spot in something other than the 2nd round The Finals.  It’s hard to believe that he’d be willing to come take over a Bucks organization after building up such a strong coaching rapport. How is this even possible, you might ask.  Well, Hollins is a free-agent coach after this Grizzlies season.  While it is widely expected that Memphis’ front-office will make a push to retain their coach, there is a tiny chance that Hollins hits the open market this offseason and, historically, the Bucks have not been adverse to paying coaches a lot of money to coach in Milwaukee. The Bucks have also discussed the coaching position with current and/or ex-Hawks coach Larry Drew, former Blazers and Sonics coach Nate McMillan, assistant coach Steve Clifford (Lakers), and both Kelvin Sampson and J.B. Bickerstaff (Rockets).

There hasn't been much action on the Milwaukee Bucks' coaching search front since the news broke that Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew would interview for the position, which he did last Monday. According to a report from Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, however, Drew isn't the only current head coach the Bucks might be interested in poaching: If you believe some insightful NBA officials, it’s simply because the Bucks are playing the waiting game. They are biding their time until the Memphis Grizzlies’ season ends and they can talk to Grizzlies free-agent in-waiting coach Lionel Hollins. Hollins was hired back in 2008 as an assistant under newly-installed Bucks head coach Scott Skiles. Hollins had previously served as an assistant in Phoenix and interim head coach with the Grizzlies on two separate occasions. He didn't stay in Milwaukee for long, signing an agreement with the Grizzlies in January, 2009 to replace fired head coach Marc Iavaroni. In four-plus years as head coach in Memphis, Hollins has a 196-155 (.558) record. His teams have been very good the last two seasons, winning 41 games in the lockout-shortened 2011-2012 season and 56 this past year. The Grizzlies have improved dramatically on defense each year of his tenure, from 21st in defensive rating the year he took over to 19th, 9th, 7th, and finally 2nd in 2012-2013. Plenty of credit for that improvement should go to the emergence of Marc Gasol as one of the top defensive (and overall) centers in the game, as well as the presence of lockdown perimeter defender Tony Allen. PG Mike Conley has developed into a terrific player and the Rudy Gay trade pulled off by Memphis' new management looks brilliant. Hollins hasn't exactly had to work magic to get where he is--he's got a very, very good roster to work with. Like Drew, Hollins has no contract with Memphis beyond this season. Considering his success, he'll be a highly sought-after coach for many teams. So why would the Bucks, who were recently turned down by Jerry Sloan because they were too far from contending, have a shot at Hollins? Money, for starters. Herb Kohl may not entertain heavy luxury tax penalties from the roster, but he's shown a willingness to lure premier coaches from glitzier markets with generous contracts, including Mike Dunleavy Sr. and George Karl. Woelfel says that some NBA officials also believe Hollins has interest in the Milwaukee job due to his former tenure there and a roster that matches his style. Larry Sanders might not be Marc Gasol, but he's an emerging defensive presence and has lots of room to grow. Luc Mbah a Moute is also available as a perimeter stopper to emulate Allen. If Hollins is interested in building the team around a defensive mindset, he could have free reign in Milwaukee, which has plenty of financial and roster flexibility beyond this season. The calls will surely come quick when Hollins' playoff run with Memphis comes to and end, but don't expect the Grizzlies to let him go easy. The front office wasn't prepared to commit with an extension before or during the season, but if they judge him to be a crucial part of the team's improvement there's little doubt the money will be there.

Two out of three ain't bad, right? Nick Gilbert hit the jackpot in the NBA Draft Lottery for the Cleveland Cavaliers once again, giving the Cavs the first overall selection for the second time in the last three years. Cleveland had a 15.6 percent chance of snagging the top pick. The Orlando Magic, who had the best odds in the lottery, will pick 2nd, while the Washington Wizards turned the 8th-highest odds into the 3rd overall pick. With the draft order now locked in, many mock drafts have been updated to reflect team needs and targets. Nerlens Noel still looks like the favorite to go first overall, though Cleveland's playoff aspirations may lead them to explore trade scenarios. They also own the 19th pick. As for the Bucks? Projections for their #15 pick remain varied, which is pretty much how they were prior to the lottery results. Here's the latest predictions from a few of the top draft analysis sources: DraftExpress: Sergey Karasev, SF, 19 years old, 6'7", 197 lbs., InternationalOne executive reportedly described Karasev as a "better-shooting Andrei Kirilenko." Hard to think of a better fit for the Bucks than a versatile, sweet-shooting wing player. Of course, the other side of the "all-around" praise is that he might not do anything at a truly exceptional level. He also might be a bit undersized for an NBA small forward, and he's not the most athletic guy out there. But in a draft like this one, getting a relatively NBA-ready wing with terrific range is a solid win. ESPN - Chad Ford (Insider Only): Allen Crabbe, SG, 21 years old, 6'6", 197 lbs., CaliforniaFord also projects the Bucks to target a wing shooter, and Crabbe is likely to be one of the top shooters left on the board at this point. Crabbe hit 40% of his triples his first two seasons at Cal before falling to 35% this past season. He attempted so many that even somewhere in the upper 30s would be a great percentage. Crabbe has shown inconsistent effort at times and might not offer much more than scoring at first, but he's got ample size for the 2 and projects well defensively. NBADraft.net: Steven Adams, C, 19 years old, 7'0", 255 lbs., PittsburghAdams was a big winner at the draft combine, showing off his excellent athleticism and prototypical size while impressing scouts with nonstop hustle. But he is R.A.W. on the offensive end, showing very little scoring ability at Pitt and possessing little in the way of developed low-post skills. A team will draft Adams in the mid-first round based on his size, age, and potential, but he's very much a developmental prospect. CBSSports.com - Jeff Goodman: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, 20 years old, 6'6", 204 lbs., GeorgiaKentavious Caldwell-Pope, better known to me as KCP, is one of the best shooters in the draft with deep range and a quick, tight shooting stroke. He's also athletic enough to get to the rim and finish, and grades out as a good defender by statistics or scouting. He doesn't have a great handle for a 2-guard and can't hurt defenses off the dribble as well as he can in catch-and-shoot situations. Most importantly, the PR team from whatever club drafts him gets to use #KCP43 every time he nails a trey. Poll Which prospect do you like best? Sergey Karasev Allen Crabbe Steven Adams Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 5 votes | Results

Ok, the draft order is set, we are ready to mock the 2013 draft. I'll do picks 1-20 and may edit depending on things that unfold before the actual draft on June 27th. The Cavaliers once again rise to the first pick in the draft, but unlike the last two times as Quick Draw McGraw might say, There's some thinnin' to do round here. There is no clear cut order here but here is what I think might happen with some comments. 1. Cleveland-Nerlens Noel-I really think Cleveland would rather take someone else(Porter)but could use the inside presence of Noel more. Also helps drive the 2014 tank so this is the way they go imho. 2. Orlando-Trey Burke-Struggled with this one for a bit but I can't see them picking someone else, think Noel would be the best for them but PG is definitely a PON(position of need I'll use this again) 3. Washington-Otto Porter-Biggest no-brainer so far, Georgetown kid, play the biggest PON. Only trouble is the Wiz have no one to score other than their backcourt and have little to trade. 4. Charlotte-Ben McLemore-They get their choice of 2 guards here, wouldn't be surprised with Olipado either but I think scoring wins over D. 5. Phoenix-Victor Olipado-Debated on Bennett for a minute but think Victor fills a PON and gives them some D. Sarver will be making more changes, hey Robert, need a flashy PG to go with Olipado? 6. New Orleans Pelicans-Cody Zeller-Bennett should be taken here but I'm guessing they go Zeller, kind of makes sense. 7. Sacramento Kings-C.J. McCollum-makes sense to me even though I'd love him to fall to 15. 8. Detroit Pistons-Shabazz Muhammed-Think Detroit would prefer McCollum but takes some scoring with Bazz. 9. Minnesota T-Wolves-Alex Len- Not really who they want but no choice really 10. Portland Trailblazers-Steven Adams-Looking at my countryman Bennett who has tumbled down to 10 but they go big with Steven Adams 11. Philadelphia 76ers-Anthony Bennett-They run up to the mike and grab Bennett before anyone yells mulligan, a great pick for the Sixers 12. Oklahoma Thunder-Kelly Olynyk-Back-to-back Canucks, Kelly Olynyk helps out with some front-court scoring. 13. Dallas Mavericks-Miles Plumlee-I know some think Schroeder but I pick Plumlee here, just a gut feel. 14. Utah Jazz-Dennis Schroeder-Ricky Dennis Schroeder, no ifs, ands or buts 15. Milwaukee Bucks-Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-Coin flip between KCP and Sergei Karasev, Pope wins out 16. Boston Celtics-Michael Carter-Williams-Can't resist Michael Carter-Williams, they'll shop Rondo in the summer. 17. Atlanta Hawks-Rudy Gobert-just because they have two picks. 18. Atlanta Hawks-Gorgui Dieng- no more Al Horford at C. 19. Cleveland Cavaliers-Sergei Karasev-fits perfectly here, their D will still blow but they can fill it. 20. Chicago Bulls-Jamaal Franklin-forms the most athletic NBA backcourt with Rose(presuming Rose plays next year) Well that's it for my 2013 Mock Draft, feel free to leave any comments, I am sure we are not all in agreement. I think there will be some trades this year, just didn't want to make a mock with trades(I can see Minny trading out for sure) Don't think Bennett falls to 11 either tbh, just the way it played out Ok, the draft order is set, we are ready to mock the 2013 draft. I'll do picks 1-20 and may edit depending on things that unfold before the actual draft on June 27th. The Cavaliers once again rise to the first pick in the draft, but unlike the last two times as Quick Draw McGraw might say, There's some thinnin' to do round here. There is no clear cut order here but here is what I think might happen with some comments. 1. Cleveland-Nerlens Noel-I really think Cleveland would rather take someone else(Porter)but could use the inside presence of Noel more. Also helps drive the 2014 tank so this is the way they go imho. 2. Orlando-Trey Burke-Struggled with this one for a bit but I can't see them

A famous name only goes so far when a player takes the basketball court. Glen Rice Jr. is quite familiar with this concept.

Bored with the drudgery of the coaching search yet? Fear not: draft workout season has finally begun, friends. As expected, potential first rounder Glen Rice Jr. (DX #26) headlined today's first workout at the Cousins Center, with New Mexico swingman Tony Snell (DX #37), Syracuse forward James Southerland (DX #82), Marquette guard Junior Cadougan (unranked by DX) the other notables in attendance. Over at Bucks.com, Jim Paschke has video interviews from today and also brings word that the Bucks will be attending the Brooklyn (May 22-23) and Minnesota group workouts before returning to Milwaukee next week. You can click through some pictures from today's action at Bucks.com as well. Billy McKinney spoke to the media afterwards, so feel free to read as much (remember him gushing over John Henson last year?) or as little (remember him calling Larry Sanders a reach in 2010?) into these quotes as you want. Andrew Gruman at FS Wisconsin reports: "I watched one of the (finals) games and he was very good," McKinney said. "Playing in the D-League, I think out of all the draft players this year he might be the most ready to play in the NBA because of his experience playing with a lot of former NBA players. "He shoots the ball really well. He has are a really good feel for the game. He has a nice all-around game. He does a nice job on defense, as well." On Snell: "I think he's one of the most talented and gifted players in this draft," McKinney said. "His performances were up and down. Most young players will have that issue, but in terms of talent, I've watched him since he was a freshman and thought he was a guy who has been our radar for quite some time. "His game set, actually his physique reminds me of former NBA player Darius Miles. Darius was a very talented player, a lottery pick, but Tony shoots the ball much better than Darius. I think he's one of those guys who can go somewhere in the first round, he might slip into the second round. His workouts will be very critical to where he gets drafted." Basically: Snell has a lean build and cornrows. More to come later tonight.

Junior Cadougan celebrates Marquette’s victory over Butler. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Draft workouts have officially begun. Tuesday the Milwaukee Bucks will audition six players: Marquette’s Junior Cadougan, Iowa State’s Will Clyburn, D-League finals MVP Glen Rice Jr.,  Dakota State’s Tyrone Gordon Jr., New Mexico’s Tony Snell and Syracuse forward James Southerland. Rice, a 6-foot-6 small forward, is the highest ranked player on DraftExpress.com’s Top 100 prospect list (26), followed by Snell (37), Southerland (82) and Clyburn (90). Cadougan and Gordon Jr. are not ranked.

Even as NBA positions blur together, the notice paid to measurables and athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine remains high. For nearly every prospect grading out taller, lankier, or quicker than expected can erase all sorts of questions about a disappointing season. Conversely, even the most productive players get knocked for being too short, too slow, or too stuck to the ground. Kentucky center Nerlens Noel didn't set the college basketball world on fire like his predecessor Anthony Davis, but he was still quite good--one of the best in the NCAA, in fact. Before an ill-fated chasedown block left him with a torn-ACL and made him the centerpiece of a renewed debate on the NBA's age minimum, Noel was regarded as a top candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year Award and the prohibitive favorite to be selected first overall in the upcoming NBA draft. The injury slowed the hype train a bit, but even with Noel expected to be shelved for the first few months of the season he was still the favorite to be the first pick. More: SB Nation: Full NBA Draft Combine coverage Still in the early stages of the recovery process, Noel didn't take part in any of the workouts or organized competitive activities at the combine, but his measurements still garnered significant attention. His standing reach (still the most important pure measurement for a center) was still very good, and his wingspan was solid. But nearly every scout, assistant, or GM in attendance was distressed by Noel's weight: he tipped the scales at just 206 lbs., barely higher than shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. "Needs to add strength" shows up so frequently in prospect profiles it's basically an in-joke in draft analysis at this point. With one-and-done prospects dominating the draft in recent years, it's becoming increasingly rare to see an incoming rookie with an "NBA-ready" physique, especially big men. There's no reason to think Noel, still just 19 years old, won't put on quite a bit of muscle once he gets on board with an NBA strength training program. In addition, Noel says he played up around 225 lbs. before the injury took him off his feet. But even that figure leaves him well below many of the top centers in the NBA: Marc Gasol won Defensive Player of the Year for the Memphis Grizzlies. He's listed at 265 lbs. Pacers center Roy Hibbert is 280 lbs. Dwight Howard is 260 lbs. From Andrew Bogut to DeMarcus Cousins, you'll be hard-pressed to find a center who isn't 40 lbs. heavier than Noel's targeted weight. Even Tyson Chandler, always noted for his slender body, is 240 lbs. There seems little doubt that Noel will initially struggle to deal with the size he'll face night after night in the NBA. The concern for many team officials is whether he'll eventually be able to shake that disadvantage. Can Noel succeed if he might always be undersized? Is that risk worth taking first overall? Some teams aren't so sure anymore. There may be hope for Noel yet, and many NBA writers have already noticed it: His name is Larry Sanders LARRY SANDERS! First, the obvious discrepancy: Sanders weighed 222 pounds at the 2010 NBA Draft Combine, quite a bit higher than Noel's eye-popping figure. But he was still right near the bottom of all the center prospects in the 2010 draft (heck, he was often projected as a power forward), many of whom were drafted in the top ten. Beyond that, however, similarities become much more abundant. Both players possessed excellent shot-blocking instincts in college and had great athleticism. Both sport(ed) evolving offensive games, and Noel is likely farther along than Sanders was when he was drafted. Most importantly, like Sanders, Noel will likely be drafted on the back of his NBA-ready defensive ability, which is where the weight issue really comes into question (Ever notice how weight is rarely brought up as with regard to a prospect's offensive game, unless it's a positive? Strange trend.). In the 2012-2013 season, Sand