Ranking the Top 3 Best (And Worst) John Hammond Moves

Mar 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Reddick (4) drives the ball defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (right) during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Worst Move: Trading for J.J. Reddick

This one still gives me nightmares.

In the spirit of the 2012-13 playoff run that ended in an inevitable 4-0 slaughter at the hands of the Heat, John Hammond traded Tobias Harris for a young, talented guard with a very bright NBA future.

The only problem is that the end of my last sentence is completely false.

In reality, Hammond traded for a player that had no interest in Milwaukee, no interest in coming off the bench, and no interest in having anything to do with a rebuild.

J.J. Reddick played just 28 games with the Bucks before bolting to L.A. at the first chance he got.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris (who was scoring just 4.9 PPG at the time he was traded) exploded into fruition after leaving Milwaukee–scoring 17.3 PPG in his first 27 games with the Orlando Magic.

Two years later J.J. Reddick is starting for the Clippers, and Tobias Harris is still averaging 17 PPG.

Could you imagine if the Bucks would have stood pat with their lacking back court of Jennings and Ellis and taken their beating from the Heat with aplomb?

If so, then you’re like me and you get giddy at the concept of the present-day Bucks starting: MCW, Middleton, Giannis, Parker, and Monroe with HARRIS, Henson, and Mayo coming off the bench.

I can only imagine…

Next: Best Moves #3: John Salmons