2007 Bucks Pre-Season Media Session

[IamQuailman]

GM: Thank you all again for attending our preseason media session. Usually we get up to crazy antics and flashy show, but this year, after last year's disappointing end, we are getting back down to basics.

GM: We made a risky move breaking up our core of Amare, Ron, and Manu last season after having a rocky first couple of weeks but then winning 13 out of 14 games. We were going for splash, flash, and looking to smash; we traded for Stephen Jackson. And the issue we ended up having was that Stephen and Ron never really meshed well together. They played the same primary position (although Ron moved to Shooting Guard), and both are ball dominant scorers. Finding a balance between the two was very difficult.

GM: After our disappointing departure from the playoffs in the 2nd round, we all knew something needed to change. And that's how we approached our off-season. Getting back to Buck Basketball. We'll leave the accumulation of OP players out to those guys out west. First we moved Stephen Jackson out west, bringing in Shane Battier and rookie center Greg Oden. Then we moved Gilbert Arenas to the Timberwolves for Earl Watson and Joel Pryzbilla. We brought back alot of familiar faces via FA, including Nick Van Exel and Kenny Thomas, among many of our bench players from last season. We additionally added Daniel Gibson, a rookie free agent, as a project player.

GM: We have refined and retuned our focus from top to bottom, from our 13th man to our star player, from towel boy to myself. We are going to continue to build something great here in Milwaukee. And we look forward to continuing greatness.

GM: Questions?

[kucoach7]

First let me say that I'm super jealous of the moves you've made. Do you think that there has been a shift in the league? It used to be that the league was all about star power but now do you think that success requires a more complete, well-rounded team?

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: With the acquisitions of Oden and Battier, will there be a return to a defensive mindset in Milwaukee? Also, you mentioned that there was a clash between fitting in both Jackson and Artest, as neither were really comfortable at the 2. Is there any worry that the situation will repeat itself with Battier and Artest?

[aburns211]

Who gets the start at point guard and why? Watson or Van Exel?

[IamQuailman]

First let me say that I'm super jealous of the moves you've made. Do you think that there has been a shift in the league? It used to be that the league was all about star power but now do you think that success requires a more complete, well-rounded team?

I think the league requires a balance. Star power is definitely a must, but 2-3 superstars isn't a requirement. See 76ers from a few seasons back, just a well balanced team with 1 superstar, a couple other great players, and others that just fit the system. I don't know if it's a paradigm shift or not, but I do know that alot of these purple players are in their prime now (minus KD). It'll be interesting to see if there are any others to surface in the coming years, because (player-wise) the league is becoming more and more balanced.

[IamQuailman]

Random Reporter: With the acquisitions of Oden and Battier, will there be a return to a defensive mindset in Milwaukee? Also, you mentioned that there was a clash between fitting in both Jackson and Artest, as neither were really comfortable at the 2. Is there any worry that the situation will repeat itself with Battier and Artest?

Defense is always a must for us. Always has been (remember that time I traded Finley for Bryon Maxwell and a pick... yeah I wish I didn't remember that) and always will be. I am confident in Artest playing the 2; I just feel the nature's of their games were too similar that they had a hard time complementing one another. Jackson was always the guy in Chicago; Artest has been the guy here. Manu scored too, but also had a high assist rate for a 2 guard, so he deferred often. Battier isn't exactly and assist guy, but he's also not a ball-dominant guy. And that's something we needed more than anything. As for Oden, we love his body of work, but he needs a little more time to mature and grow as a post defender. Fortunately his athleticism and size make him a default tough player to get around.

[IamQuailman]

Who gets the start at point guard and why? Watson or Van Exel?

That's a great question. Not exactly sure. Had you asked me pre-FA, Watson.... as I thought Van Exel would've been more sought after than he was. But now that we have both, we may start Van Exel because he is familiar with the system and then split the minutes down the middle. Honestly, it'll all come down to who fits better (or who doesn't get traded).

[WigNosy]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Daniel Gibson was signed to the team mostly because the front office liked his nickname?

[RPF]

Rumors are going around that you were the victim of a ddos attack at Bucks headquarters and this man is a person of interest, do you have any comments on it?

[IamQuailman]

Is there any truth to the rumor that Daniel Gibson was signed to the team mostly because the front office liked his nickname?

Well we do love boobies. #BigOlBlubberTitties

[IamQuailman]

Rumors are going around that you were the victim of a ddos attack at Bucks headquarters and this man is a person of interest, do you have any comments on it?

Yes, the authorities are handling this issue. We are not looking looking for perfection, just ask that they improve the way they handle it.

[TrayWithAnA]

Do you expect more success from your team now that you are completely dedicated to your job as a GM after resigning as commissioner?


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[IamQuailman]

Do you expect more success from your team now that you are completely dedicated to your job as a GM after resigning as commissioner?


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We are going into this season with much lower expectations. We have a plan in place, and that is our goal. Obviously we want to win a championship, but with our current tax situation, we may need to work some things out that may end up costing us a game or two (I'm sure the fans love hearing that).

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Any truth to the rumors that you shipped out Gilbert Arenas and Stephen Jackson because their egos constantly clashed with Artest and Amar'e and they were setting up a tag team match inside the steel cage to settle who really were the "Leaders" of the club.

Also, you were fairly quiet in the FA market and made your moves via trade. Do you think that is a more ideal way to acquire talent rather than talking contracts?

[Soundwave]

Random Reporter: With the acquisitions of Oden and Battier, will there be a return to a defensive mindset in Milwaukee? Also, you mentioned that there was a clash between fitting in both Jackson and Artest, as neither were really comfortable at the 2. Is there any worry that the situation will repeat itself with Battier and Artest?

Defense is always a must for us. Always has been (remember that time I traded Finley for Bryon Maxwell and a pick... yeah I wish I didn't remember that) and always will be.

I remember it.

Did you remember to put the lotion in the basket?

[TrayWithAnA]

Do you have any special giveaways on the docket this season? There are only so many times we as fans can receive a white tshirt with the local ambulance chaser's logo on the back. How do you plan on mixing it up for your fanbase?


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[IamQuailman]

Do you have any special giveaways on the docket this season? There are only so many times we as fans can receive a white tshirt with the local ambulance chaser's logo on the back. How do you plan on mixing it up for your fanbase?


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Opening Night - Free Antlers for 1st 10,000; rally towel on seat
Christmas Eve Game - Free Reindeer. Live Reindeer.
Day Before Valentine's Day Game - Free "Milwaukee Fvcks" Condoms for Men