Milwaukee Bucks 2014-15 Season Review: Jared Dudley
By Adam McGee
Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jared Dudley (9) celebrates after making a basket during the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths
Dudley’s greatest strength for Milwaukee has been his versatility. Earlier in the season I referred to him as the Bucks’ Swiss Army knife, and it really feels like an apt description of him.
It’s easy to say that a guy does a bit of everything, but it’s rare to find someone who actually does. Dudley is one of those exceptions.
He can shoot and score. He can pass and rebound. He can steal, and even occasionally block. So that’s offense and defense, and a leader on and off the court.
Dudley shot just under 39 percent from deep for the season, a vital contribution for a Milwaukee team that at times lacked floor spacing.
His numbers generally don’t dazzle, but there’s a consistency and a spread to them that shows a guy doing exactly what his team ask of, and need from him.
Dudley’s per 36 minute numbers back that up with tallies such as 10.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals. Exactly the sort of active contribution you’d look to see from a role player.
On the defensive end is where Dudley’s intelligence stood out most of all though. Whether guarding some of the league’s best talent on the wing, or battling against mismatches up front, the Bucks excellent defense got better when Dudley was on the floor.
The Bucks gave up 99.3 points per 100 possessions as a team, the second best mark in the league behind the Golden State Warriors. With Dudley on the floor that number dropped further to 96.8 though, with Khris Middleton the only Buck to have a better defensive rating.
Next: Weaknesses