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Friendly Bucks fan here. Did Ben have a tough year last year or did coach hold him back? What do you expect from him this year? Would you trade him?

Thanks in advance

He had a terrible year and while some do believe the composition of the team or the offense held him back I personally hold him accountable.

No one knows what to expect from him which is the problem with our SG situation. He did noticeably improve certain aspects of his game from the end of the season to summer league, so he should be better. Does better mean NBA caliber? Will he be a solid starter or back up for Nik this season?

I personally wouldn't mind trading him for the right deal. The problem is at this point his market value doesn't equal his possible upside and that we have a position of need at SG right now.

He had the kind of year you would expect from a raw rookie who kind of got jerked around for being on a team stuck in between trying to develop and trying to compete.

Ben really struggled for the majority of the season. Was clearly one of the worst starting SG's in the entire league. No idea what to expect from him going forward.

eagle13 wrote:Friendly Bucks fan here. Did Ben have a tough year last year or did coach hold him back? What do you expect from him this year? Would you trade him?

He had a tough year, was overmatched physically and mentally, especially defensively, but he's worth trading for. He has the athleticism and speed of a Westbrook or Ginobili and is unselfish. However, his ceiling is closer to Kyle Korver or JJ Redick because he lacks the star mentality.

To get there, he needs to gain about 15 lbs, get to 205 lbs, which will take a couple years. He also has to re-gain enough confidence that his shot comes back. I expect those two things to happen.

I hope, but am not sure if, he can improve his defense.

thanks for that feedback

so Ben has been bad on both O & D and none of us can see into the future so will he improve or is he one of the several busts every draft has every year?

OJ Mayo was a proven very efficient scorer and OK passer up to last year when he join the Bucks. Will he get back on track this year or has he forever lost it at only age 26?

So Ben & OJ both had bad years. Mayo however had a couple good years before that which proves he can do it. Ben has shown nothing in pro's but retains upside for this year,

You have a youngster in Stauskus - maybe need a vet behind him instead of a struggling youngster?

Is there something that could work with Mayo & McLemore?

eagle13 wrote:thanks for that feedback

so Ben has been bad on both O & D and none of us can see into the future so will he improve or is he one of the several busts every draft has every year?

OJ Mayo was a proven very efficient scorer and OK passer up to last year when he join the Bucks. Will he get back on track this year or has he forever lost it at only age 26?

So Ben & OJ both had bad years. Mayo however had a couple good years before that which proves he can do it. Ben has shown nothing in pro's but retains upside for this year,

You have a youngster in Stauskus - maybe need a vet behind him instead of a struggling youngster?

Is there something that could work with Mayo & McLemore?

In a word, NO

eagle13 wrote:Is there something that could work with Mayo & McLemore?

Maybe, but it requires that the Bucks take back Carl Landry.

I'd much rather keep Ben than trade for Mayo. Ben's much more athletic and his ceiling is higher than current Mayo. I really don't think Mayo should be a starting SG.

Ben looked like a kid at his 1st jr high dance...we just need to teach him the kid & play kick step so he can turn the party out.

I do think that we need to realize that Ban did not exactly have much of an example of how to be a good NBA shooting guard to start out so development make take a bit longer than usual.

I don't think people realize fit is most important in any sport. When you fit and people play in a system that allows everyone to be put in positions of success it's easier to play the game. The Kings do not get that (yet).

Exactly.

Ben's lack of basketball IQ is a serious concern.

ICMTM wrote:I don't think people realize fit is most important in any sport. When you fit and people play in a system that allows everyone to be put in positions of success it's easier to play the game. The Kings do not get that (yet).

I think this FO gets it. It's just that they are very limited on what they can do with the hand they were dealt with. Letting IT go and signing Moreland makes me think that they are thinking "fit" rather than individual talent.

OGSactownballer wrote:I do think that we need to realize that Ban did not exactly have much of an example of how to be a good NBA shooting guard to start out so development make take a bit longer than usual.

I agree, the talent is there. No reason to shelve Ben at this point and bring in a mediocre replacement like Henderson. Not like we are contenders this year anyways. I understand wanting to put a competitive team on the floor and I think adding stauskas shooting, morelands shot blocking, having a more pass first guard like Ray Mac and having a healthy Landry will help us be more competitive than last year.

I would not deal him. He is going to have a good career and be in the league for years. I thought he would need 3 years in the league before it really started to click but it looks like he put in a ton of work and you may be reaping the benefits sooner than I expected.

SacTown Kings wrote:

OGSactownballer wrote:I do think that we need to realize that Ban did not exactly have much of an example of how to be a good NBA shooting guard to start out so development make take a bit longer than usual.

I agree, the talent is there. No reason to shelve Ben at this point and bring in a mediocre replacement like Henderson. Not like we are contenders this year anyways. I understand wanting to put a competitive team on the floor and I think adding stauskas shooting, morelands shot blocking, having a more pass first guard like Ray Mac and having a healthy Landry will help us be more competitive than last year.

Personally I think you guys are just one piece or two from making the playoffs. I think your 2 guard is a concern. With Cousins + Gay + Collison is a solid set of pieces. If you can bring in either a star PF or SG I like you guys to make the playoffs. I like what you guys have and I hope you guys can make it over several other west teams like Clippers, Rockets, Spurs, and Thunder. I don't like any of those teams. I could see you or the Pelicans making a huge push this year.

Nobody held him back.

His bball IQ is very low. His best asset, shooting 3, mysteriously disappeared. Kid was bricking wide open shots.