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Besides saying complimentary things about Henson, Sanders and another frontcourt player, Ersan Ilyasova, Drew even had nice things to say about the Bucks’ dysfunctional backcourt, which may be on the brink of being dismantled.

Starting shooting guard Monte Ellis has an opt-out clause in his contract and has told associates he’s bolting Milwaukee. Ellis’ backup, J.J. Redick, is an unrestricted free agent and appears destined for another city, also.

Brandon Jennings, the Bucks’ starting point guard, is a restricted free agent. And while the Bucks can match any offer by another team for Jennings, they may not want to retain him, especially after Jennings said he “wasn’t sure” he wanted to remain with the team after its last playoff game against Miami.

But Drew may be asked to do more than coach the Bucks: He may be enlisted as their No. 1 sales person during free agency in July.

That’s because several of Drew’s former players with the Hawks would be welcome additions to the Bucks. Four Hawks — Josh Smith, Devin Harris, Kyle Korver and Zaza Pachulia — are all unrestricted free agents.

Smith, an exceptionally talented but inconsistent performer, is the gem of the group and will generate considerable interest once free agency begins July 1.

The other three Hawks are quality players and would, at the very least, fit into the Bucks’ rotation.

Drew, by all accounts, has a great rapport with each of them. When I spoke to Korver late in the regular season, he raved about playing for Drew. When I spoke to Harris over the telephone about a week ago, he did the same.

It was clear these guys enjoyed playing for the 55-year-old Drew, who is about as humble as any pro head coach you’ll come across.

When I asked Drew about the possibility of him “lobbying” for any of the Hawks, Drew said he, Hammond and Kohl will meet perhaps as soon as today and discuss player personnel matters in depth and in a “systematic” way. Drew said he won’t be bashful about attempting to transform some of those Hawks into Bucks.

tcorbin wrote:Great, maybe SnT Josh and Teague for Henson and the 15th pick.

PandaKidd wrote:Harris is old, and hes past his prime. Way way past his prime. Id rather start developing someone else than resign him.

Zaza im only interested in as a backup and for cheap. zaza is almost 30, partially torn achilles , when big men start having foot problems, i get a little scared.

I just think its time to move forward.

Skyhawk1 wrote:I hope L. Drew convinces Smith to play there. Imagine Monta, Jennings, and Smith taking long 2s and 3s..... lol They should also try to get Blatche and Tyrus Thomas, this way they'd have the worst shot selection team in NBA history.

Jamaaliver wrote:

PandaKidd wrote:Harris is old, and hes past his prime. Way way past his prime. Id rather start developing someone else than resign him.

Zaza im only interested in as a backup and for cheap. zaza is almost 30, partially torn achilles , when big men start having foot problems, i get a little scared.

I just think its time to move forward.

You're starting to scare me, PK.

30 isn't old in basketball.

He's still younger than Tony Parker, Jason Kidd and Derek Fisher who each led their teams to the NBA Finals in recent years past the age of 30.

ATL Boy wrote:

tcorbin wrote:Great, maybe SnT Josh and Teague for Henson and the 15th pick.

If we got Paul, I wouldn't mind this

jagstang76 wrote:Looks like the Buck made an offer to Ellis of 3/36. (Sorry couldn't link.) I guess the question is will Ellis go for that deal? If so, it sets the table for whether they would go after certain former Hawks.