2004-05 Milwaukee Bucks Pre-Season Media Session

[IamQuailman]

GM Ian Quailmen walks into the same room as every year, but this time everything about him seems cheerier. Grinning from ear to ear, no theatrics, no shoddy parlor tricks that he usually pulls, just smiles.

GM Quailmen: Good morning! And that is an understatement. This time of year in the past few seasons has been something of a roller coaster ride. Last season, at this time, we had come off our first playoff appearance since the 2001 playoffs, but many of our shining stars came in with a lackadaisical attitude and approach to training camp. Years prior we were excited for the future, but had nothing really to look forward to at the present. But this year. We are coming off a disappointing miss of the playoffs. We had a rough 4-12 start to the season, partially due to cohesion, partially due to injuries, and as a result we were playing from behind all season. However, we made a run, eclipsed the .500 mark, and made great strides for our young team.

GM Quailmen: But this off-season. This will be a turning point in the history of this franchise. With the Raptors looking to rebuild, and with our plethora of cap space, the opportunity to finally strike a deal for Chauncey Billups came. We had reached out repeatedly over the last couple seasons inquiring about Chauncey, especially after (false) reports of the Raptors looking to "blow it up". As we all know, they went on to win the division. However, this offseason, when we inquired, they entertained the thought. Not only did they entertain it, they actively countered and engaged these discussions. We could tell this was the right time to go all in, because had we waited until after RFA, the opportunity may not have been there. So we (reluctantly) let go of budding (and future All-Defensive Team) center Kendrick Perkins and recently acquired Andray Blatche, as well as the Mavericks 2007 1st. Chauncey Billups brings the passion, desire, and championship pedigree to this team that we had been needing and looking for drastically since parting ways with Jalen Rose.

GM Quailmen: While Chauncey was the cherry on top of our off-season, Eddie Griffin, Samaki Walker, Kenny Thomas, and Shawn Bradley were the nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, M&M's, and whatever other toppings you like to put on your sundaes. Samaki Walker was coming off an All-Defense First Team season. His dominance down low on the defensive end of the court was something that we could not lose and were willing to pay a hefty price tag for, especially with the departure of Kendrick Perkins. Eddie Griffin is another young piece that we were happy to bring in on a low-risk, high reward deal for us. He accepted an offer with the Jazz in the off-season, citing reasons of playing time and exposure as reasons for his desire to leave. However, we are expecting big things for Eddie this season. Kenny is coming in with a fire in his belly after playing for the rebuilding Sonics last season, and we plan to channel this determination and focus to add some depth to our front court. Shawn is coming off his first championship and can bring a lot of leadership to this franchise.

GM Quailmen: Lastly, we added some tertiary pieces and some developmental guys in Joe Crispin, Amir Johnson, Jeff Trepangier, and Sasha Pavlovic, along with Beon Udrih and Sasha Vujacic who will be taking on bigger roles this season as well.

GM Quailmen: We have emerged from Training Camp and Pre-Season relatively unscathed, with only some small nicks and bruises. Our goals and plans for this season are just beginning, but as we have said in the past, the future is incredibly bright for this franchise. Perhaps, the future is finally here!

[IamQuailman]

GM Quailmen: Here is some analysis from our Analytics Department who scouted our team during training camp:

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Word is that Ron Artest has made major progress towards becoming a true leader for this team. What are you expecting from him this season. Also, what's the status on Manu Ginobili, who has been the subject of many trade rumors despite his increased production?

[RPF]

Do you feel like Ron Artest is finally deserving of the hype of what an unnamed GM said "his potential is limitless"?

[IamQuailman]

Random Reporter: Word is that Ron Artest has made major progress towards becoming a true leader for this team. What are you expecting from him this season. Also, what's the status on Manu Ginobili, who has been the subject of many trade rumors despite his increased production?

Ron Artest continues to strive to be a leader for this franchise. It's a tall task to ask a young player to step into a leadership role, but over the past year, Ron has taken many steps forward in the ability to help lead a franchise, being a representative for our team on the All-Star Team and the All-Defense Team. We expect him to continue to improve, and hopefully maybe the League may notice his talents and give him one of them "All-League" achievements.

As for Manu, we love the guy. His production on the court is hard to look past. We do not WANT to move him in the immediate future, but at the same time, we need to be somewhat fiscally responsible with our talent. Manu is on a very cap-friendly deal, which other teams have expressed an interest in having. However, we will not break up the band for a cap-saving trade if we are in the hunt and race for a title.

[IamQuailman]

Do you feel like Ron Artest is finally deserving of the hype of what an unnamed GM said "his potential is limitless"?

I think that that title truly belongs to Tracy McGrady, as Ron still is working on being a better rebounder on the offensive glass and facilitator. But he definitely is a 2-way player that we cannot wait to see take over the court.

[JNR]

Generic Wolves Reporter: We've heard reports that the locker room chemistry is at an all time low. Are these reports true, and if they are, what are you going to do about them?

[IamQuailman]

Generic Wolves Reporter: We've heard reports that the locker room chemistry is at an all time low. Are these reports true, and if they are, what are you going to do about them?

It's expected when infusing a new floor general into heavy minutes, but they will learn to grow together and play good ball...


OR ELSE.

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: The return to prominence in Milwaukee is once again percolating. With the fall of the Hawks and questionable stances of many in the Central division, is this the time to be giddy about basketball in Buck country?

[IamQuailman]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: The return to prominence in Milwaukee is once again percolating. With the fall of the Hawks and questionable stances of many in the Central division, is this the time to be giddy about basketball in Buck country?

It's definitely time to get excited. We are planning on great things this upcoming season!

[Eazy P]

Do you see your team being the top seed in the East and will you allow Ron Otest to take some time off during the season to promote his new upcoming album.

[IamQuailman]

Do you see your team being the top seed in the East and will you allow Ron Otest to take some time off during the season to promote his new upcoming album.

A motto our team is trying to live by these days: "We'd rather be a top seed than a bottom bitch." No truer words have ever been spoken. As for Ron, he has been working hard in the offseason both off and on the court, and will feature his musical stylings for his intro, as well as for in-game entertainment. We are breeding a "we" culture in Milwaukee, trying to dispell some of that nonsense papers have been releasing about our "lockerroom cohesion". In fact, you just inspired me to develop a new marketing campaign: "MilwaukWE"

[WigNosy]

You claim Udrih and Vujacic will be taking on "expanded roles" this season. Do they really believe that? Do you?

[Soundwave]

Are you seeking any penalties to be placed on the Raptors for lying about Chauncey's age?

[IamQuailman]

You claim Udrih and Vujacic will be taking on "expanded roles" this season. Do they really believe that? Do you?

Udrih, yes. Vujacic, shh....

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[IamQuailman]

Are you seeking any penalties to be placed on the Raptors for lying about Chauncey's age?

We'll have to start requesting authenticated birth certificates starting now, since Canada still uses the antiquated abacus to count age.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[Soundwave]

Are you seeking any penalties to be placed on the Raptors for lying about Chauncey's age?

We'll have to start requesting authenticated birth certificates starting now, since Canada still uses the antiquated abacus to count age.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Are people in Milwaukee simply unable to check the index for a player's age or draft position?

[NOLa.]

With OPtest being the hands-down most talented player in the league, is it now settling in the maasive amount of pressure you face to not only win a divisional championship, but possibly THE championship?

Sent via Morse code

[IamQuailman]

With OPtest being the hands-down most talented player in the league, is it now settling in the maasive amount of pressure you face to not only win a divisional championship, but possibly THE championship?

Sent via Morse code

The pressure is starting to mount, but I know, when push comes to shove and I can't live up to lofty expectations, that I can look to how you handled yourself after last season as an example.

[NOLa.]

With OPtest being the hands-down most talented player in the league, is it now settling in the maasive amount of pressure you face to not only win a divisional championship, but possibly THE championship?

Sent via Morse code

The pressure is starting to mount, but I know, when push comes to shove and I can't live up to lofty expectations, that I can look to how you handled yourself after last season as an example.

Or like how Bucks pick was low 20s late teens right?

Sent via Morse code

[IamQuailman]

With OPtest being the hands-down most talented player in the league, is it now settling in the maasive amount of pressure you face to not only win a divisional championship, but possibly THE championship?

Sent via Morse code

The pressure is starting to mount, but I know, when push comes to shove and I can't live up to lofty expectations, that I can look to how you handled yourself after last season as an example.

Or like how Bucks pick was low 20s late teens right?

Sent via Morse code

Jarrett Jack looks like someone who was picked in the low 20s now.

[NOLa.]

The pressure is starting to mount, but I know, when push comes to shove and I can't live up to lofty expectations, that I can look to how you handled yourself after last season as an example.

Or like how Bucks pick was low 20s late teens right?

Sent via Morse code

Jarrett Jack looks like someone who was picked in the low 20s now.

Backup PG nothing to scoff at

Sent via Morse code

[ballsohard]

Rando Reporter: Some say that Nick Malone is the ying to your yang. Batman and Joker. Two sides to a coin. With the extreme similarities and close overall records of success, can we look forward to another trade between you two and a public spat this season? Or have the trade voices quieted within each other's respective heads?

[IamQuailman]

Rando Reporter: Some say that Nick Malone is the ying to your yang. Batman and Joker. Two sides to a coin. With the extreme similarities and close overall records of success, can we look forward to another trade between you two and a public spat this season? Or have the trade voices quieted within each other's respective heads?

Only time will tell, sometimes you just get thirsty.

[42PhD]

Dr. Rocker, The Cleveland Rocker: With all due respect, your analytics department leaves something to be desired. It says here in your press packet that Amare Stoudamire's height is the tenth of June? Whose height is a date?

I'm sure they mean 6' 10" tall, but if they can't use Excel, they are pumping you trash. Who's reading this? Who's checking it? As far as I can tell, no one.

Just an observation, if you are confident in their analysis, go ahead, but those numbers look like Amare is about topped out unless some magic happens, but you seem to think there's good room to grow. Setting aside the height and where he was drafted, do you believe what your analytics tell you about Stoudamire? Either way, why?