Milwaukee Bucks 2014-15 Season Review: Jared Dudley

Dec 18, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jared Dudley (9) runs up the court after scoring a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Sacramento Kings 107-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Summer Focus

Dudley has a player option this summer, but his desire is clearly to stay in Milwaukee. In exit interviews, he indicated as much to Aron Yohannes of BrewHoop.

"Veteran Jared Dudley said even if he opts out of his contract this summer, there’s an “80 to 90 percent chance” he returns to Milwaukee because he’d want to. “I think my value here is at it’s biggest high here (compared to other teams).” In that case, Bucks fans will be eager to see Dudley get down to work to be the best he can possibly be heading into next season. As mentioned above, Dudley could do with some solid conditioning work to make him as strong as possible ahead of the big tip. An almost fully healthy season, and then a full pre-season under his belt should be a real help in that regard too. Other than that, I’d like to see Dudley continue to focus on his leadership role over the summer. Help the youngsters develop, pass on his wisdom to those around him. The Bucks made big strides last season, now the next step is the really difficult one. Next: Game of the Season Game of the Season In perhaps one of the Bucks biggest statement wins of the season, it was Dudley who stepped up the most with a phenomenal performance. As the Bucks rolled into Philips Arena for their first post-Christmas game, they squared off against an Atlanta Hawks team who had won 15 of their previous 16 games, and would go on a 19 game winning streak following their meeting with the Bucks. How did Milwaukee respond to that challenge? By winning by 30 of course! Dudley was the orchestrator with 24 points and a perfect 10-10 shooting night from the field. Four rebounds, two assists and four steals thrown in for good measure shouldn’t be ignored either. The Bucks had lost three of four games heading into the matchup, and held a players only meeting to try and get back on track. Spurred on by Dudley’s colossal game, Milwaukee set the tone for the rest of their season on that very night. Next: Final Grade Apr 8, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jared Dudley (9) congratulates teammates during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Final Grade Giannis Antetokounmpo may have been the Bucks star this season, but Jared Dudley was Milwaukee’s heart. His work on and off the court was instrumental in helping a 15 win team turn around and become a 41 win team without significant roster additions. End of Season Grade: JARED DUDLEY SG/SF/PF, Milwaukee Bucks A Offense: B+ Defense: A Attitude: A+ Next: Milwaukee Bucks 2014-15 Season Review: Tyler Ennis More from Behind the Buck Pass Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap? Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited “I think my value here is at it’s biggest high here (compared to other teams).”"