Milwaukee Makeover: Bogut, Jefferson, Redd and Bucks need blue-collar power forward

Like every home and garden television show, Milwaukee spent the off-season in makeover mode. Their new look will be revealed opening night.

Significant changes were made. Veteran executive Larry Harris was fired; Detroit’s long-time consigliore John Hammond was hired. Hammond’s first order of business was the sideline, so Scott Skiles replaced Larry Krystkowiak as coach.

The one-two punch of Hammond and Skiles then remade the roster. Yi was sent to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson. Former first overall pick Andrew Bogut got extended with a controversial 65 million dollar pact. Shoot-first Mo Williams was dealt to Cleveland in a three-team deal that yielded pass-first table-setter Luke Ridnour.

Got all that? What do these changes mean?

Well, Milwaukee is better. Ridnour improves offensive distribution because he’ll provide Bogut, Jefferson, and Michael Redd with opportunities, while Skiles’ get-stops mentality upgrades the defense.

Power forward is a concern. Scorer Charlie Villanueva has the inside track on starting. The Bucks, however, may be better suited with a blue-collar presence.

On offense, the four-man must complement others. For instance, Bogut excels at the high-post because he can use his intelligence to set-up others. Jefferson and Redd need touches, too. Ideally, the power forward would then work the low-block, not roam the perimeter like Villanueva.

Skiles wants to defend and run. To fast break, the Bucks must control the defensive end, so Bogut needs inside help. Villanueva isn’t that guy. The Dutch connection, Dan Gadzuric and Fransico Elson, would do the defensive dirty work to set-up outlet passes and hit Jefferson in the open-court.

For his own good, make Villanueva sixth-man. The New York native is talented, scoring fifty points as a rookie in Toronto. The second unit is a better fit. He can be the primary scorer and impact tempo when he checks-in.

Milwaukee’s makeover is nearly complete. Tweaking power forward will further the turnaround.

Is Villanueva a starter or sixth-man? How will the Bucks do this season? Get at us in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe NBA Blog for more basketball tidbits. Photo courtesy of compujeramey.