The Milwaukee Bucks have played tough all season and have positioned themselves to third place in the Central Division. They are led by a fourth-year emerging star in Michael Redd. How well has Redd played? Superior enough to earn his first All-Star selection.
His numbers for the year stand out like a Burberry handbag. Redd is scoring 22 points a contest, while snatching five rebounds. Not only was Redd named player of the month for January by the NBA but was also Nike's "Baller of the Week." The good news continues for the former Ohio State guard who was drafted in the second round by the Bucks in 2000.
Being No. 8 in scoring in the NBA is a great feat. Redd has ignited his team similar to Mark Prior of the Chicago Cubs. The Bucks posted a record of 11-5 in the month of January. As the team is starting to peak slowly, so is the play of Redd. Twice in the month of January, Redd went bananas by scoring career-highs of 40 points.
The Bucks as a team have an excellent home record of 19-5, making the Bradley Center a tough place to play for visitors. As a result, the attendance has increased. Redd is not the sole reason for the success that has been apparent so far in the year.
First year coach Terry Porter is the other factor in this equation of triumph. Porter has made Redd play at another level and has developed the team chemistry that was left in turmoil after last season.
People around the league have noticed the surprising play of the Bucks. Many expected the worst from the team because of a discombobulated off-season. At first, the team was nearly sold to legend Michael Jordan. Coach George Karl was then let go, veteran point guard Sam Cassell was traded, and general manager Ernie Grunfeld bailed town like Saddam Hussein did in Iraq.
As the All-Star break approaches, the Bucks will try to jumpstart their second half season on the shoulders of Redd. He earned his ticket to Los Angeles because of a work ethic that has paid off. Redd is not only worthy of going, but he should have received some consideration for being named starter. No disrespect to Tracy McGrady or Allen Iverson, but wins and losses do count in the mix.