Milwaukee Bucks Media Session

[IamQuailman]

GM Quailmen: Welcome, welcome. Yet again, another new season is upon us, and I still have a job. I must be doing something right! Before to proceed with talking about our off-season and the upcoming season too, let's take a moment and reflect on last season. Halfway through the season, we took a high risk, high reward chance in acquiring Shaquille O'Neal from the Rockets. People might ask "Why would you consider that a risk?" We considered it a risk because we had to give up some good, young talent like Zydrunas and Ruben, along with some important depth like Greg Anthony, to move for him. Our team was playing very good ball up to that point, and to blow it up in a trade like that, who knows what it would've done to our team chemistry. But needless to say, Shaq came in hungry and brought the energy necessary for us to make it the furthest into the playoffs we've ever been: the NBA Finals. Quite ironic that the one player who helped get us there was the one we would lose in Game 1 to a Kevin Garnett headbutt cheap shot, thus losing the series 4-1. It was a heartbreaking loss for the team and a heartbreaking series for our fans.

GM Quailmen: We have quit slitting our wrists and have moved on, fortunately. Honestly, you have no choice; you either move on and look to the next season or you neglect your team and play Pokémon. Our primary goal this offseason was to open up cap space to make some moves, including our primary move of re-signing Shaq. We shipped out capable depth in Rex Chapman and Eric Murdock to open up an additional $10 million in cap space. Our plan was simple: "Get 1 or 2 pieces pre-draft, then pray that luck is on our side and someone signs a max offer before Shaq inevitably accepts his". Part 1 went alright; we acquired an underrated forward (Malik Rose) from the Hornets. Then we traded back into the draft, eventually to move up and draft Eddie House. Then packaging Eddie House and some cash considerations, we sent him along his way to the Atlanta Hawks (pre-Penny) for late-bloomer Howard Eisley. We've always been high on Howard since he played for the Bucks a couple seasons back.

GM Quailmen: Next we sent out a flurry of max contracts to about 7 players, in addition to Shaq. If we were lucky, one of those players would sign with Milwaukee first and then Shaq second. It was a long shot, especially since we sent Shaq a super-max; long story short, we got our guy back and that's all that matters. Filling some roster spots with talent, we added Hersey Hawkins and Nick Anderson to the squad, along with former champion Sam Cassell and a familiar face in Tim Legler.

GM Quailmen: We have the same goals as every season and will fight our way to the top once again. We know the Central is getting better each season, but we are not worried about the Hawks or the Raptors. We will take care of business on our end and see them in the playoffs.

GM Quailmen: Opening the floor to questions... hit me with your best ones.

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Three quick questions: You say you're not worried about the other Eastern Conference threats until the postseason. When that time comes, do you see your "wing-depth-by-committee" approach running into trouble? Will you look to bring quality bench players into the fold during the regular season? And for another possible answer to the wing solution, will Jalen Rose see more time at other positions this season, rather than primarily running the point?

[IamQuailman]

GM Quailmen: Thanks for the questions.

1) We are a little thin in "youthful talent" at the wing, but I think our committee should work fine. I feel like it will be enough to get us to the playoffs, and then we will play matchups and get creative.

2) We are always looking for positive additions to the team. If you know someone ready to make a deal, let me know.

3) While Jalen played the point last year primarily, he is quite familiar with the other wing roles. During the playoffs we were a little more flexible with where we played him based on matchups (against Heat, played him only at 2/3 to avoid Gary Payton, etc.). With both Howard and Anthony (Goldwire) as capable passers, we feel comfortable letting Jalen play wherever the matchup warrants.

[coltsguy510]

Do you see your backcourt being able to compete with the Hawks Ultra-Backcourt in the Central?

[NOLa.]

People might ask "Why would you consider that a risk?" We considered it a risk because we had to give up some good, young talent like....

Ruben,

along with some important depth like Greg Anthony, to move for him.

[Soundwave]

Why does your Press conference suck compared to mine?

[ballsohard]

People might ask "Why would you consider that a risk?" We considered it a risk because we had to give up some good, young talent like....

Ruben,

along with some important depth like Greg Anthony, to move for him.

[ballsohard]

2 questions:
You an Atlanta in a 7 game series, what's the finals count?
You and Toronto in a 7 game series, whats the final count?

[IamQuailman]

2 questions:
You an Atlanta in a 7 game series, what's the finals count?
You and Toronto in a 7 game series, whats the final count?

Let me answer your question with a question:

Q: What's the difference between a Raptor and a Hawk?

A: Nothing. They'll both be extinct come season-end. #HMD

[IamQuailman]

Why does your Press conference suck compared to mine?

Yours had enough self-suck in it, so we decided it to keep it simple and sweet. Dildo face.

[IamQuailman]

Do you see your backcourt being able to compete with the Hawks Ultra-Backcourt in the Central?

Of course. We are not concerned about OPenny and Sprewell.

[NOLa.]

Who is the ultimate competition in your division: Haeks, Raptors, or trade deadline?

[TrayWithAnA]

Who is the ultimate competition in your division: Haeks, Raptors, or trade deadline?

Haha

[TrayWithAnA]

Do you ever get tired of playing the lovable loser card?

[IamQuailman]

Who is the ultimate competition in your division: Haeks, Raptors, or trade deadline?

Are the Haeks that new Korean expansion team? I knew we were expanding the eastern conference, but not worried about them

[IamQuailman]

Do you ever get tired of playing the lovable loser card?

When I play the role so well, why stop?

[kucoach7]

Do you ever wake up at night worried that Shaq might just be this generation's Karl Malone?

[IamQuailman]

Do you ever wake up at night worried that Shaq might just be this generation's Karl Malone?

Karl Malone was way more OP than Shaq will ever be.

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 Points! Thanks for your contribution!

[TrayWithAnA]

I noticed your salty comment. Haha. Pay me 10 points and you can have Liberty now. Open negotiations.

[RPF]

Star-Ledger: What are the teams initial reaction to the Hawks getting OPenny?

[NOLa.]

Do you ever wake up at night worried that Shaq might just be this generation's Karl Malone?

Karl Malone was way more OP than Shaq will ever be.

Malone was never OP

[IamQuailman]

Do you ever wake up at night worried that Shaq might just be this generation's Karl Malone?

Karl Malone was way more OP than Shaq will ever be.

Malone was never OP

42 PER says otherwise