The Bucks were predicted by many to be a force in the Eastern Conference this season after finishing 41-41 a season ago and signing Greg Monroe over the summer. But the franchise has regressed thus far this season, stumbling out of the gate to a record of 10-17 and not looking at all like the budding young powerhouse of a season ago.
When things are going bad for a team everything becomes magnified, and this week Monroe, Khris Middleton, O.J. Mayo and Miles Plumlee showed up in TMZ Sports videos depicting them in a Los Angeles strip club late at night before the team’s loss to the Lakers this week. Coach Jason Kidd said he didn’t think their partying was a contributing factor to the loss, but, coincidentally or otherwise, the Bucks are reportedly the likely trade destination for veteran leader Caron Butler. The team also reportedly met with free agent Carlos Boozer to discuss a potential contract, as the team looks to add veteran leadership to aid its young core.
This brings me to today’s topic: Should the Bucks add veterans to the roster this season, or stick with the younger players and allow them to develop and mature on their own?
Adding veteran leadership could certainly improve the locker room culture and provide the younger players on the team with role-models, provided they are willing to listen. But the addition of veterans like Boozer and Butler could also cut into the minutes of some members of the team, and that could serve to hinder their on-court development. With this season likely a bust for the Bucks, the argument could be made that the team would be better served to play its younger players as much as possible in an effort to not only develop them, but also to allow the franchise to assess who can be a building block for the future.
But what say you? Should Milwaukee augment its roster with veterans no matter the cost of valuable minutes for the younger players who will be counted on in the seasons ahead? Or do you believe adding veteran leadership can only serve to improve the team in the long-run? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
allow them to develop, but add shooting.
don’t rush things, let the younger players grow. A step back isn’t bad
Adding Butler should be the move. He wouldn’t Add too much on the court, but if he’s willing to take a KG type role, they could use it.
I don’t see guys like Butler and/or Boozer making a difference. The Bucks have a nice group of young players but the way things are unfolding in their division, they will struggle to get out of last place.
It won’t cost much to add Butler and Boozer. A little veteran leadership could improve the Bucks this season and help the young core develop into better players down the road.