Milwaukee Bucks 2001-02 Capsule
COACH: George Karl (fourth season, 625-418 overall)
LAST SEASON: 52-30, first in Central Division, lost to Philadelphia in conference finals
ARRIVALS: F Anthony Mason (free agent), C Greg Foster (trade with LA Lakers)
DEPARTURES: G Lindsey Hunter, F-C Scott Williams
SLAM DUNKS: "The Big Three" of G Ray Allen (22.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg), F Glenn Robinson (22.0, 6.9) and G Sam Cassell (18.2, 7.6 apg) is the best trio in the league. All three can shoot and also are willing to attack defenses. Allen is approaching superstar status, while Cassell may be the most underrated player in the NBA. The presence of Mason (16.1, 9.6 rpg) in the low post may make the Bucks even more dangerous on the perimeter. He is an excellent passer and ballhandler for a power forward and give the Bucks a new dimension. The versatility of G-F Tim Thomas (12.6) allows Karl to give breathers to Allen and Robinson. He is a nightmare matchup for most teams. C Ervin Johnson (3.2, 7.5 rpg) doesn't score much but understands his role and is a leader. He teams with F Darvin Ham (3.8, 4.2) to provide frontcourt energy.
AIRBALLS: There really isn't a viable backup behind Cassell, who still is sulking about his contract and can be difficult at times regarding off-court issues. Ham is out for 4-6 weeks and the Bucks missed his energy when he was hurt last season. The team has to incorporate Mason, who is not the most diplomatic teammate in the world. He once led the league in minutes and complained about playing time. After Mason, the bigs still don't scare anybody, not with Foster (2.0), F Mark Pope (2.4) and C Joel Przybilla. This team gets easily distracted and has to find its focus faster.
IN THE ZONE: The Bucks were content to outscore opponents under the old rules and likely will do the same against zones. Their shooters should strafe any defense and force foes into man-to-man, where the Bucks are even more dangerous. Milwaukee also may play more zone than most teams because it has defensive liabilities in Allen and Robinson to hide.
OUTLOOK: If the Bucks had paid less attention to conspiracy theories and more to basketball, they might have made the NBA Finals last season. Acquiring Mason could put them over the hump -- or it could disrupt the free flow this team enjoys more than any other in the East. Karl is looking for a leader. If one steps forward, the Bucks will be playing in June.
