Milwaukee Bucks

Kentucky center Nerlens Noel was the presumed No. 1 choice for next week’s NBA draft, but nobody could say for sure.

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It feels like we've been snowballing down this hill for some time, but Monday afternoon made it official: Monta Ellis has opted out of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, and will head for the open waters of unrestricted free agency. To call this news surprising would be a disservice to gullible ignorance everywhere. Ellis already turned down a "max" deal from the Bucks (three years, $36 million, including the opt-in), both of which sound certifiably insane (the offer and the rejection) when stats and efficiency admitted into the discussion (career-low 44.8% eFG, 49.3% TS in 2012-13). Right now, the situation is a win for both sides. Ellis will certainly get a new long term deal that will, sooner or later, churn the collective stomach of a fan base. Milwaukee (for the moment) has money to play with elsewhere, and Bucks fans (for the moment) can sleep easy now that their favorite team ran against the grain of history, finally ducking the possibility of overpaying for an underwhelming veteran. For the moment. Still, there's a good chance the Bucks keep Ellis' cell on speed dial should they choose to jettison Brandon Jennings for assets or a couple of those nifty Tek moister-wicking towels (or Danny Granger? Let's not go down that rabbit hole right now. I'm in a good mood.). If the Bucks had already offered Ellis the most money they could within the constraints of their situation, and made it known they prefer Ellis to Jennings anyways, it's reasonable to assume they'd re-visit the idea when/if Ellis realizes his true market value. To that end, it's worth noting that the Bucks will retain Ellis' Bird rights so long as they can stomach his $16 million cap hold, though their ability to create significant cap space makes that somewhat academic. According to Chris Broussard's "sources" report, Ellis is likely to be courted by the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, who could only get "it all" through an unpossible sign-and-trade that could pair Ellis with the enigmatically indifferent Dwight Howard. Oh, the storylines! The storylines! While the sign-and-trade possibility is likely to spawn a litany of Trade Machine spins and blissful proposals in article comment galleries, it's important to remember just how ugly the Lakers' cap situation is. Go to Lakers Nation and read Andrew Ungvari's brilliant article before succumbing to the temptation of the Trade Machine. But like any good horror movie, we can't rest easy after initial reports of a monster/killer's first supposed demise. Not until the ink is dry on Ellis' next contract, and #monte makes another appearance on Twitter, will we breathe easy knowing our exhausting nightmare of contested jumpers, early possession shots, and quiet, confident hubris have been quelled. Bottom line: We knew this was coming, it came, and I'm still flabbergasted that Chris Broussard still erects a middle finger at that journalism 101 class he skipped in college.

The Brew Hoop community has selected Alex Len, C, Maryland, for the #7 spot on its draft board. Len made a name for himself as a teenager in international competition with his home country of Ukraine before earning a scholarship to Maryland. While his freshman season underwhelmed, Len blossomed as a sophomore, boosting his per-minute scoring and rebounding while maintaining solid-though-not-fantastic 57% true shooting. He's a good shot-blocker and is generally seen as a more polished player, particularly on offense, than most big men of his age. That two-way potential has a few scouts wondering why he isn't being discussed more as a possible first-overall pick. Questions about his motor and toughness--two elements notably absent from Nerlens Noel profiles--have given some people pause. One look at his measurements, though, and you'll know why plenty of teams would be willing to roll the dice on Len. The Brew Hoop Big Board1. Ben McLemore - SG, Kansas2. Otto Porter - SF, Georgetown3. Victor Oladipo - SG, Indiana4. Trey Burke - PG, Michigan5. Nerlens Noel - C, Kentucky6. Anthony Bennett - PF, UNLV7. Alex Len - C, Maryland Pick the player YOU would like the Bucks to select, assuming they were drafting at each position. That means you can take everything into account: need, fit, floors, ceilings, window treatments, the whole Shabazz shebang. If the guy you want isn't listed, pick "Write-In" and leave your vote in the comments. Please make your vote clear--something like "My vote for Pick #1 is THIS GUY". Looking for scouting reports on all the top prospects? SB Nation has you covered. Poll My choice for #8 on the Brew Hoop Draft Board is: C.J. McCollum - G, Lehigh Giannis Adetokunbo - SF, International Cody Zeller - PF/C, Indiana Shabazz Muhammad - SF, UCLA Michael Carter-Williams - PG, Syracuse Dennis Schröder - PG, International Gorgui Dieng - C, Louisville Kelly Olynyk - C, Gonzaga Mason Plumlee - C, Duke Write-In (vote in comments) 15 votes | Results

The Milwaukee Bucks have named Bender and Van Exel Assistant Coaches.

via www.roanoke.com Milwaukee Bucks Monday will resume a week of workouts for the Milwaukee Bucks as the draft draws near. The workout starts with the return of Mike Bruesewitz from our very own Wisconsin Badgers, Erick Green from Virginia Tech, Joffrey Lauvergne from France, Alex Oriakhi from Missouri, Alexandre Paranhos from Brazil, and Nate Wolters from South Dakota State. This is quite an interesting group of guys, but it seems like most of these players are 2nd Round to Undrafted prospects. Bruesewitz is an interesting add to the workouts, and seems like more of a defensive tool for the Bucks to assess other players talent, rather than an actual prospect. A solid defender and rebounder in school, Bruesewitz is most likely to be an undrafted prospect, who could make it on in the D-League for a bit, much like Joe Krabbenhoft did. He seems better suited for Euroleague ball. Green was the sensational scorer from Virginia Tech, that last year lead the NCAA in scoring at 25 ppg. While he was a prolific scorer he also spread the sugar at a solid rate of about 3.8. While not a prototypical point guard, and concerns about his size (6'3, 180), he could provide a team with a good punch off the bench and ultimately become a solid rotation player. If his passing skills develop and he learns to play under more control, he could be a fringe starter/6 man off the bench that could provide good scoring and quickness off the bench. Joffrey Lauvergne was talked about as being a possible draft pick in the 2012 draft, but decided to withdraw at the last minute. While he has solid size, he has a case of the alligator arms, which ultimately may effect his ultimate value in the NBA. Draftexpress says his best case scenario is Vlad Radmanovic and worst case is Zarko Cabarkapa. This suggests he has good scoring instincts, but very poor defensive skills. You tell me if thats any good because Vlad Radmanovic had a pretty bland career to me. Alex Oriakhi had an interesting career. Starting his career at UConn, he transfered to Missouri his senior year because UConn's post season ban. He had an up and down career, showing great potential to be a post player, but for the most part not living up to it. He shows a great ability to defend in the post with his very good size, but it seems like in the NBA he will be outmatched by bigger players, or more athletic ones. Actually a similar player to me is Jeff Adrien from UConn. While Oriakhi is not as small, he lacks the same explosiveness Adrien does, but has the potential to be a back of the bench towel waver (DJ Mbenga anyone?). The most interesting of all the players here is Alexandre Paranhos. He trained with Leandro Barbosa, a fellow Brazilian, to get him ready for the pros. Actually he wrote a letter to Henry Abbott of ESPN to explain the prospect which is quite interesting. http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/59453/barbosa-brazilian-draft-intrigue. While still very raw Paranhos, he shows the body of an NBA player already. Although he could tone up more, he has great size and athleticism. Barbosa goes on to call him the Brazilian Lebron James. Whether that is a good comparison or not is debatable. What stands out most is his three point shooting. One game he made six three pointers. Seems like a solid draft and stash second round pick, that you could either never hear from our could be a solid player for your team in 3-4 years. The final participant is Nate Wolters. From Jackrabbits fame, Wolters is known for his do everything ability, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals, and second in rebounds. He has great instincts for the position, and also has a great scorers mentality, which is shown in his 53 pt game against IPFW, which was the most in 2012. While he seems to be able to do alittle of everything, he seems nothing more than a solid backup/scorer from the bench. While he has great instincts and size, he lacks the overall athleticism and quickness to get his shot off clea

Benny Sieu-USA Today Sports On Monday morning, news emerged that Monta Ellis has officially made the decision to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Ellis has reportedly informed the team of his decision. With Ellis’ decision, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard instantly becomes one of the top targets in this year’s free agent class. Ellis, who had one year, $11 million remaining on his deal with the Bucks already turned down a potential contract extension with the team. That failure to reach an agreement ultimately prompted what Monday’s news confirmed. In all, this move certainly comes as no real shock. Ellis wants to find a better, long-term scenario and reports indicate that he is very close with fellow free agent target, Dwight Howard. This automatically puts Ellis in a situation that will include plenty of potential suitors. Among them include the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and potentially the Los Angeles Lakers, albeit a west coast combo is probably unlikely simply because it would have to come via a sign and trade scenario. The Philadelphia 76ers may also be an option, as Ellis would be an ideal fit alongside Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner in the Philly back court. Ellis will surely be targeted by others, but those are just a few names to keep an eye on at this time. Free agency in the NBA begins on Jul. 1. Ellis has become one of the more consistent scoring threats in the NBA over the past few years. This, after being drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft back in 2005. Ellis averaged 19.3 points per game this past season in Milwaukee. Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS

Ellis has taken the first step towards collecting tickets elsewhere next season. Shirts and prints of the above illustration can be hunted down via clicking-through. (Illustration Via: Bouncex3) Monta Ellis has informed the Milwaukee Bucks he will be opting out of the last season of his contract, according to Chris Broussard. Sources: Monte Ellis has told Bucks he is opting out of the 1-year, $11 million left on his contract. Will become coveted free agent — Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 17, 2013 Ellis had to make a decision by June 20. It was widely expected that Ellis would opt out, so this likely comes as no surprise to the Bucks. Reports surfaced earlier this month that Milwaukee had, at some point, unsuccessfully offered Ellis an extension that would have paid him $36 million over three years, the opt-in year included. Given Milwaukee’s supposed previous offer to Ellis, it seems safe to assume that Milwaukee will pursue the free agent Ellis. Broussard has reported that the Hawks, Mavericks and Lakers all have interested in Ellis. Atlanta worked hard to get Ellis into a trade deadline deal involving Josh Smith, but couldn’t get the Bucks to include him. Sports Illustrated’s Point Forward blog rated Ellis as the fourth best potentially available “ball handler” entering free agency. Of course, they rate Brandon Jennings third, so many Bucks fans could make a case to flip the two. As someone who has covered the Bucks for the entirety of Ellis’ stay on the roster, it’s difficult to get much of a feel for whether or not he enjoyed his time here or really wants to return. Around the media he’s very cautious. He doesn’t say much, and when he speaks it’s typically in generalities and cliche. He’s not combative, because he more or less just avoids or waits out the media. It wouldn’t be difficult to use that information to paint a picture of a guy who doesn’t really like where he’s at. But at the same time, I’ve watched Monta avoid all of us like he was playing hide and seek and then spotted him minutes later engaging with children away from the cameras, pulling them in closer for a photo and telling them not to be scared. In those moments, he seemed comfortable and engaging. With us, not so much. But it’s hard to blame him. Reports came out at different times this year that both painted him as a model teammate and a malcontent. Ellis was named a co-captain before the season started and was painted as the type of guy who doesn’t speak often but speaks with authority when he does. Then reports came out about a confrontation between he and Larry Sanders over selfishness in the playoffs. Ultimately, I’m of the belief that Ellis will not return. The Hawks are going to have money and likely won’t be able to land their dream duo of Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. The Mavericks have more appeal as a franchise and city. The Lakers … they seem to have ways of making things happen. I don’t think Ellis hated Milwaukee, but I’m not sure he enjoyed it enough or is sufficiently inspired by the current roster to really want to work to make something work here. We may remember the Ellis and Jennings experience as a one year blip that made no waves, something that was about as effective as Michael Redd and T.J. Ford, but without all the hopefulness and later regret that those two caused.

Monta Ellis has informed the Milwaukee Bucks that he will opt out of the last year of his deal, according to league sources.

Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports Milwaukee Bucks fans have always regretted the organization trading away Ray Allen, especially since he went on to have such a prosperous career. The good news is Georgia Bulldogs shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who the Bucks are hoping to select with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, tries to model his game after Allen. “I just get in the gym and (keep) working on it,” Caldwell-Pope said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Put up a couple hundred shots whenever I get in the gym. Mix it up a little bit, get some off the dribble, catch-and-shoot. Just a lot of drills with my shooting ability and just improving it every day.” A top-notch player with an amazing work ethic is exactly what Milwaukee is looking for in their next draft pick. One of the main reasons Allen has been so good for so long is because he works at his game every single chance he gets. He is consistently in the arena hours before every game so that he can work on his famous 3-point shot, among other things. Caldwell-Pope is the same way, which has to excite Bucks fans. Obviously, there is no guarantee that Milwaukee will be able to select Caldwell-Pope, especially since his draft stock continues to rise. Not to mention, there are several teams who pick right before the Bucks that are looking to acquire a solid shooting guard. Milwaukee just has to hope some draft day luck finally comes their way after getting screwed on so many picks over the years.