How Important Is Chemistry In Bucks' Progression?

There are a whole host of unquantifiable aspects in the NBA that play a significant part in the makeup of winning teams. Momentum is often talked about, as is roster fit (something which can never truly be distinguished until a player is in place), but perhaps most important of all is chemistry.

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How exactly is the Milwaukee Bucks’ chemistry going to be heading into this new season though?

The Bucks have seen quite a lot of change over the course of the off-season, with some players who were particularly vocal, or who helped to instil a certain confidence or demeanor in the team now playing their basketball elsewhere.

Jared Dudley was traded to the Washington Wizards, virtually of his own choosing as it turned out, with nothing of significance coming back in return.

While veteran Georgian forward Zaza Pachulia also left the Bucks on the cheap, with the Dallas Mavericks the destination in his case.

We’ve already explored what the loss of two such influential players could mean from a leadership standpoint, but what about another key intangible, the atmosphere and vibe that’s felt in the locker room and around the team?

Of course, it doesnt always have to be the case, but more often than not a team is going to be better if the players like each other. That might seem like a slightly simple or idealistic concept, but stop and think about it for a second.

Apr 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard

Jerryd Bayless

(19) gets a hug from forward Jared Dudley (9) after scoring the game-winning shot against the Chicago Bulls in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beatbthe Bulls 92-90. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

More than many other sports, the NBA puts such a demand on its players time that it would be no surprise if player relationships were to get fractious at times. 82 games is a long season.

These players can potentially spend from late October to mid-June together, while regularly spending lengthy periods of time away from home where they’re forced to spend even more time together, in hotels or while traveling.

That could easily take its toll on a group dynamic, so the job of both players and coaches alike is to try to manage the ebbs and flows that come with that, keeping the players on the same page, and also ensuring that spirits are high.

In a profile of the Bucks for the Washington Post today, Michael Lee quotes John Hammond discussing that exact issue too:

"“I can’t remember who said this, but he said, ‘Chemistry is one of those things, you don’t know how you got it and you don’t know how you lost it when it’s gone.’ We just had a good fit,” Hammond said. “Give guys like Zaza, O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, Dudley credit. Those guys were tremendous for us, supporting Jason and our coaching staff, holding our young guys accountable. A couple of those guys aren’t with us, so we’re going to miss those guys.”"

More than the leadership, the Bucks may need to worry about replacing the impact that guys like Jared Dudley and Zaza Pachulia had on team morale.

Looking at the team’s new additions I’m not convinced that that will come from the players on the floor, but the Bucks do have just the man to lead them from the front regardless.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke of his relationship with Jason Kidd as follows:

"He’s a great coach, and you know, more than anything he’s a cool guy. You can talk to him, after practise I always try to spend some time with him, try to joke around a little with him."

More than a lot of the decisions and adjustments he makes in game, this could prove to be the most valuable part of having Jason Kidd as head coach for Milwaukee.

With some of the veteran leaders and chemistry glue guys now gone, the onus will fall more on Kidd to fill those gaps.

The good news is, not only does he seem up to the challenge, but willing to do it also.

Next: Eastern Conference Playoffs: Where Do The Bucks Fit In?

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How Important Is Chemistry In Bucks’ Progression?

By Adam McGee | Jul 30, 2015

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