It wasn't easy for Milwaukee to get there. There were too many disappointments along the road, too many question marks and controversial decisions. But patience finally paid off, and the city of Milwaukee had a CSL title. But not only patience, the hard work from everyone, specially Maker and Ingram who became what the Bucks needed them to become, and also the key trade on draft night the previous June, when the Bucks traded their first round pick and Nerlens Noel to move up in the draft and select Donovan Mitchell. That was a defining moment for the franchise.
He had the same impact Allen Iverson had in Philadelphia almost thirty years earlier. His relentless drive and attitude on the court took opponents by surprise and, once they started planning to contain him, Ingram and Maker were free to do their jobs. For some it was unexpected, but that trio worked to perfection since day one, and the Bucks winning the title was just unexpected for most.
And so head coach Chris Duhon waked up. He had fell asleep in practice, and assistant Boris Diaw asked him why he had that smile on his face.
Of course, the Bucks are still 16-36 and with the injury bug not leaving town yet. Can Duhon's dream become reality? Well, it seems unlikely to say the least. Still, there is always hope. The team will be likely picking again in the top half of the lottery, a scenario that no one within the organization seemed to expect at the start of the season. But a bad start and then a series of injuries led the Bucks to the bottom of the standings. So next year they will have a quality rookie plus Noel back from injury and one more year of experience and development for both Maker and Ingram. That could be a promising scenario, yet far from Duhon's dream. Still, one step at a time is a good way to do things.Chris Duhon wrote:I know who we have to draft this year, Boris. No matter what, we need that guy. He is the one who can take us to the next level. He is the missing piece.
2020, 2023, 2027