“In the process” because there’s still a lot of work to be done – both on the court and in the stands – for Jennings to “save basketball in Milwaukee” like Bill Simmons proclaimed he would in his mailbag on Wednesday.
It’s way too early to say Jennings will have any drastic effect selling jerseys and tickets; at this early point in the season, the Bucks are 26th in average attendance, so there’s a lot of saving to do. Maybe the casual Bucks fan just hasn’t had time to get to the Bradley Center, or maybe professional basketball in Milwaukee doesn’t want to be saved.
Nothing against Jennings or the Bucks, but it might take more than a fast start and a Rookie of the Year to do what even a good team couldn’t do. In 2000-01, when the Bucks went to the Eastern Conference Finals with Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, and the immortal Jason Caffey, the Bucks were 13th in attendance. And don’t tell me they weren’t exciting, the Bucks were second in the league in points per game that season.
Whatever the attendance numbers say, nationally televised Bucks games aren’t greeted by a tilted head and a puzzled look anymore. Personally, I’ve lived just over an hour away from $10 nose bleeds and other cheap tickets at the Bradley Center, and never felt the urge to make the drive. Even when the Bulls were there, there was never much interest among people I know. Now $100+ for a seat close to the action – even if only to watch Jennings – doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.
Those things should count for something. Though it’s hard to tell what that something is yet.
Just like it’s hard to tell what Jennings is really capable of doing beyond generating some national publicity for the Milwaukee Bucks, (An amazing feat in and of itself). Some of the early fascination with Jennings may have more to do with the fact that he’s the new thing. I’m sure ESPN The Magazine will have him prominently featured in their “NEXT” edition, whatever that means.
Really, it means nothing. “NEXT” and new are great for awhile, but eventually larger goals come up – like winning championships and saving basketball in a city. No one knows if Jennings is or isn’t capable of doing these things; it just takes time to really figure out what a young, 6′1″ point guard is.
Derrick Rose has taught Bulls fans that in a season and 14 games.
It will take more than 15 games for anyone to decide if Jennings is good enough to be the best player on a championship team. Just a year ago, some in Chicago thought the Bulls found their own version of Isiah Thomas; a point guard who is capable of carrying the show and being a leader in team success. Game One against the Celtics was enough evidence for some that Rose was good enough to be “the guy.”
All the Bulls needed to do was surround him with a good low-post threat or another sidekick via trade or free agency. Either way, the Bulls found the player who was going to be the main reason for the Bulls’ playoff success and eventual championship.
Now doubt is here. Rose is great, but maybe the Bulls have a great second banana; maybe they’re still looking for “the guy.”
At this point, no one can say Jennings is definitely good enough to be “the guy;” in fact, there aren’t many examples of point guards being the best player on a championship team, period. And if Jennings isn’t “the guy,” is he transcendent enough to make Milwaukee appealing for quality free agents – free agents that aren’t Wally Szczerbiak, if you catch my drift.
A lot remains to be seen before Jennings “saves basketball in Milwaukee.”
_____
As this season goes, the Bucks have hit a bit of a rough patch after a surprising 8-3 start. The Bucks have lost four in a row and Jennings has found himself in a slump. And also, like Rose, when Jennings slows there isn’t much help – at least on offense.
In the four losses, the Bucks’ leading scorers have been Ersan Ilyasova, Jodie Meeks, Hakim Warrick and Luke Ridnour. And if Ersan Ilyasova plays an important role on the road against the Spurs then it’s hard to like your chances of winning.
Jennings has done more than just fallen off pace, behind these four teammates over the last couple of games: he’s really struggled. Surprisingly, he still hasn’t struggled from behind the arc. At the very beginning of Jennings mania, Kevin Pelton at Basketball Prospectus focused on Jennings for an article. Pelton expected Jennings’ ability to drive and get to the basket at will to continue; he questioned Jennings’ outside shooting.
“Even with a shorter line, Jennings shot just 26.8 percent from beyond the arc in Euroleague play, and he wasn’t known as a shooter in his prep days. Jennings’ form is good, but it’s easy to see him cooling off from the perimeter.” [Basketball Prospectus]
Jennings hasn’t cooled at all.
For the year, Jennings is shooting 48.6 percent on 3-pointers (7th in the league). And even in the last four games, when Jennings’ overall field-goal percentage is at 29 percent, he’s still at a very consistent 46.6 percent on threes.
A few quick notes:
No help defense
After a day off, I’m going to say Jennings is due to get his inside game back. Without the help of Kirk Hinrich, removing the Bulls best perimeter defender, it could be a long night for Rose on the defensive end. [Chicago Tribune]
Tough night on both ends for Rose
Rose already has a tough night to look forward to on offense. The Bucks lack any real lockdown defenders, but if nothing else, they’re a Scott Skiles team. And a Scott Skiles team will play defense. They’re currently 7th in defensive efficiency. [Basketball-Reference.com]
Allen Iverson with a work ethic?
I don’t want to get out over my skis with Jennings, but that hasn’t stopped some people in Milwaukee. Maybe the last few years have tarnished Allen Iverson’s reputation so greatly that people forget that he was really freaking good. And after 15 games I’m not ready to call Jennings (I’m paraphrasing here), an unselfish Allen Iverson with a work ethic. [620 WTMJ via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]
Bogut is back
After missing six games with a lower left leg strain and contusion, Andrew Bogut is scheduled to be activated and available to play in tonight’s game vs. Chicago. [Bucksetball.com]
Add your comment below, or trackback from your own site.
Subscribe to these comments.
Stay on topic. Oh, and don't post any spam. People hate that.