2013 Central Division Position Power Ranking: Shooting Guard
2.) Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 15, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo (32) drives the ball past Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Shooting Guards:
– O.J. Mayo
Production: 2012-2013 season: 15.3 PPG; 4.4 APG; 3.5 RPG
Value: 3 years- $24 million
Projection: 2013-2014 season: 16.8 PPG; 4.6 APG; 4 RPG
– Gary Neal
Production: 2012-2013 season: 9.5 PPG; 2.1 RPG; 1.9 APG
Value: 2 years- $6.5 million
Projection: 2013-2014 season: 8.9 PPG; 2.2 RPG; 2 APG
– Giannis Antetkounmpo
*Production: 2012-2013 Greece Season: 9.5 PPG; 5 RPG; 1.4 APG
Value: Rookie Deal
Projection: 2013-2014 season: 7.2 PPG; 4.2 RPG; 1 APG
– The Milwaukee Bucks did some major offseason work this year, especially at the shooting guard spot. The Bucks biggest offseason addition was the signing of former Memphis Grizzly and Dallas Maverick, O.J. Mayo. Mayo is a streaky player, that can really burden a defense if he gets going. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, as well as the talent to put the ball on the floor and get his own is very rare in the NBA game, and he has it. Mayo has a high ceilings, but has yet to figure out how to get there. Hopefully he puts it together as a member of the Bucks.
Another one of the Bucks offseason additions was a member of last year’s Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs, Gary Neal. Neal, an undersized 2-guard, thrives off setting up for the long ball along the perimeter. Neal may have to do more than his fair share of shooting as a Buck, but that is definitely something in his resume.
Lastly, the Bucks added one of the most intriguing players in this years draft, Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece. Giannis’ 6’9″ frame helps him see over the defense as a point-forward, but with the additions of Mayo, Knight, and Ridnour, it is unlikely Giannis gets a crack at setting up plays for Milwaukee. It will be extremely interesting to see how Giannis’ game translates to the pros.