Milwaukee Bucks - Better or Worse

Milwaukee had their best record of the decade last season and then forced the Atlanta Hawks into a tough seven game first round playoff series.  One of their biggest challenges was scoring, so they traded for Corey Maggette in the offseason and signed Drew Gooden to provide low post punch.  Most importantly, they resigned swingman John Salmons who provided a big boost to the Bucks when he arrived in a midseason trade.  Will these moves be enough for Milwaukee to take a step to the next level?

(Note: The rankings you see referenced below are fully explained in my initial NBA point guard rankings post)

Photo source:  U.S. Army Environmental Command

Point Guard
2009 - Brandon Jennings (#23 PG, Level 5), Luke Ridnour (#8 PG, Level 2)
2010 - Brandon Jennings (#23 PG, Level 5), Keyon Dooling (#49 SG, Level 8)

Jennings made a huge splash in his first year but like most rookies he suffered from inconsistency.  His development this season will be a key to the Bucks success.  Ridnour was severely underrated as a backup.  Dooling is serviceable.

Shooting Guard
2009 - John Salmons (#8 SG, Level 3), Jerry Stackhouse (#45 SG, Level 8)
2010 - John Salmons (#8 SG, Level 3), Chris Douglas-Roberts (#54 SF, Below level)

A full season of Salmons will make a clear difference.  Stackhouse was a solid veteran presence that will be missed.  The Bucks will hope to get something from Michael Redd deeper into the season.

Small Forward
2009 - Carlos Delfino (#20 SF, Level 5), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (#26 SF, Level 6)
2010 - Corey Maggette (#14 SF, Level 4), Carlos Delfino (#20 SF, Level 5)

It will be interesting to see how Maggette fits into the hard-working, defensive-oriented culture of Milwaukee.  The Bucks got solid play at this position last year.  Delfino's versatility will enable him to get minutes at two or three positions.

Power Forward
2009 - Ersan Ilyasova (#19 PF, Level 5)
2010 - Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (#26 SF, Level 6), Ersan Ilyasova (#19 PF, Level 5)

The minutes distribution at the four for Milwaukee this season will likely be very similar to last season.  I believe Mbah a Moute will start because of his defensive ability.

Center
2009 - Andrew Bogut (#6 C, Level 2), Kurt Thomas (#50 C, Level 9)
2010 - Andrew Bogut (#6 C, Level 2), Drew Gooden (#36 PF, Level 6)

Bogut had a breakout season last year and should continue to be a force if he can stay healthy.  While not a traditional center, Gooden may get as much playing time at the five as he does the four because there's no clear backup.

Overall
The Bucks hope to build on last year's solid season and challenge the Bulls for the the Central Division title.  They have a solid nucleus in place.  If those key players continue to develop and the new pieces around them fit in well, Milwaukee could jump into the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff teams.

The Bucks put up a 46-36 record in 2009-2010.  Based on their projected 2010 lineup I've got them picking up one win at shooting guard, one and a half wins at small forward and half a win at center.  I think they'll come out even at point guard and center.

In the final verdict the Bucks are BETTER.  As they are now I predict their record will be 49-33 this season.  That would put them just one game behind my projected record for the Bulls.