Bucks trade

Ok, I'll bite...

Juice takes issue with the Bucks trade for Richard Jefferson. He says we traded a top 10 pick and Bobby Simmons for another jump shooter. Hmmmm, well let's do the math bud. Yi Jianlian, a power forward, 6-11, young, not a terrible defender, decent rebounder. First of all, if this sounds familiar that's ok, we already have the same exact player, except its the hairless version, Chuck Villenueva. Second of all, he's thin, plays away from the basket, maybe not "that" young.

Now even if those concerns could be over looked for his potential to develop, he still has one giant, glaring, solar flare of an issue. His commitment to the Chinese national team. One thing is a certain, he will always be playing summer ball for that team and judging from how tired he was at the end of his rookie season, his stamina will always be a concern. Can we really justify getting that excited over a "Top 10" pick that can't really average more than 20-25 minutes a game because you are trying to milk him for a whole season?

Bobby Simmons was a throw away to match salaries and I'm glad he's gone. Richard Jefferson on the other hand is not "just another jump shooter". The guy plays D. He was probably the best defender on the Nets squad, routinely drawing the toughest assignments. Granted that's not saying much, but the Bucks were probably worse than every other team in the league as far as defense is concerned. He can drive and slash, the man has moves to the basket, don't just assume that because he can shoot he can't get to the hole. He averaged 22 ppg last year with decent boards and assists to go along with that. I think it's a huge upgrade and if we end up moving Redd or Williams for a real PG we could actually have a decent team. Not good of course, but probably around .500, which in the East is like a 4 seed...