The Sport Count

Want a good guy cheap? Call the Bucks now.

Considering the ridiculous glut of small forwards clogging the Bucks’ roster, I understand the need to dump a contract or two.

Indeed, with Desmond Mason, Charlie Villaneuva, Richard Jefferson, and future bust Joe Alexander all on the depth chart at the three-spot — not even mentioning Michael Redd and Charlie Bell, both of whom have spent time, albeit briefly, as swingmen — it was clear at least one of them would have to go.

But that doesn’t explain why they gave away Mason for so little. He may have a replaceable skillset — shoot-first wingmen aren’t too hard to come by — but plenty of teams could have used him, or at least his expiring contract.

As for justifications for gifting Mo Williams away in return for a second-stringer like Luke Ridnour? There are none. It represents yet another reason why Bill Simmons’ campaign to manage the Bucks wasn’t completely preposterous.

Yes, Williams’ contract may have seemed a little too large for the Bucks, especially considering the inexplicably incredible play of back-up Ramon Sessions late last season (remember the second last game of the season, when he dropped 24 dimes on Chicago? Who saw that coming?). And sure, Mo was yet another scorer on a team already packed with bucket fillers.

But letting a sweet shooting (48% from the field in ‘07-’08), easy scoring (17.2 points a game) floor manager go for next to nothing is abominable roster management. If the best offer you can find for your starting point man is seriously a red-headed John Mayer lookalike who couldn’t beat out Earl Watson on the Seattle depth chart, take your finger off the trigger and wait a better offer to hit the inbox. Plus, you’ll be paying Ridnour, and his busted legs, $6.5m per year. Which isn’t good.

You’re telling me the Mason and Mo duo couldn’t bring a bit of frontcourt depth to Milwaukee? (In case you’ve forgotten, when Andrew Bogut needs a rest, the Bucks have two options: Jake Voskuhl and Dan Gadzuric). You’re telling me they couldn’t address their greatest need: someone who is capable of playing defense? You’re telling me Adrian bloody Griffin, who hasn’t averaged more than five points since ‘01-’02, Damon Jones, who isn’t good at anything but sporadically nailing open threes, and Luke Ridnour were the best the Bucks could do?

Good lord.

Only Chris Wallace at the Grizzlies would think a contract dump like this is acceptable, though even he would’ve at least negotiated the inclusion of a 2058 thirteenth round draft pick.

Finally, a quick note on Cleveland: Congratulations Danny Ferry, you finally did something right. Another team offered you a top-notch starting point guard in return for mediocrity, and you accepted.

Posted By: Anton