Milwaukee Bucks: 30 Most Significant Moments In Franchise History

Adam McGee

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jabari Parker (Duke) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Behind the Buck Pass team run through what they believe to be the 30 most significant moments in Milwaukee Bucks franchise history.

The Milwaukee Bucks may only have one NBA championship to their name, but that doesn’t mean that the franchise doesn’t have a rich and storied history.

The Bucks have had their fair share of memorable moments down the years, and like most franchises, they’ve ranged from the good, the bad, and the ugly.

30. Jerryd Bayless Playoff Game Winner

Words by Ti Windisch

The Milwaukee Bucks had all but lost hope. The Young Bucks had fought hard in their first three battles against the Chicago Bulls, but lost by an average margin of almost ten points. Milwaukee still managed to hold on and found themselves tied with the Bulls with just 1.3 seconds remaining.

A miracle basket was all but necessary–although they had heart, the Bucks were an inferior team to the experienced, talented squad from Chicago. The Bulls were trying to end this series right there and then in Milwaukee.

They probably would have, too, if not for those meddling Jareds/Jerryds. A beautiful inbound pass from Jared Dudley to Jerryd Bayless led to an instant lay-up, and the end of that game. Milwaukee would carry that momentum all the way to Chicago where they took another game from the Bulls, before finally succumbing in Game 6.

Next: 29. Bold In Prediction

29. Brandon Jennings – “We’re Going To Win In 6”

Words by Ti Windisch

Our very own official podcast here at Behind the Buck Pass comes from this moment, arguably the greatest in all of sporting history. Brandon Jennings, one-half of the Bucks somewhat controversial backcourt at the time, was in the middle of a typical interview before Milwaukee met the powerhouse Miami Heat.

The Bucks didn’t have a chance. Everybody knew that. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were far too much for the Jennings-led Bucks to handle. This playoff series was more of a formality than anything else.

Everybody knew that–except Brandon Jennings. With a twinkle in his eyes and magic in his heart, he proclaimed the Bucks would use their underdog status as an advantage in the series, and that they would win. When he was pressed on the “winning” part, Jennings smiled and said they would “win in six”.

Next: 28. Buck Wins Olympic Gold

28. Michael Redd Wins Olympic Gold

It doesn’t get much bigger in the world of sport than to win an Olympic gold medal, but that’s exactly what Michael Redd did as a representative of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Redd was selected for the star-studded US team off the back of the first season where his peak career numbers started to decline with the Bucks. Redd still offered the team a nice scoring option off the bench, a perfect complement to a roster that included the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Jason Kidd.

Redd didn’t have the opportunity to play in the gold medal decider against Spain, but played in all seven matches leading up to that. The US avenged their failure from the Athens Olympics four years earlier, and a Milwaukee Buck found himself on the top of the Olympic podium.

Next: 27. Three-Point Contest Champion

27. Ray Allen Three-Point Champion

Words by Ti Windisch

Although maybe not one of the more meaningful moments in terms of on the court success for the Milwaukee Bucks, Ray Allen winning the Three-Point Contest in 2001 was big for Milwaukee. The Bucks historically are rarely involved in contests like that, and seeing Allen win it all in dramatic fashion was great for the fans back home.

Allen was down to legendary sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic going into the final round, and really until the last two sections it was unclear if Ray-Ray would be able to win. That is, until he nailed ten straight between the last three stations and came away victorious.

In the interview afterward, Allen identified the Philadelphia 76ers as the Bucks rival that season and told Craig Sager that the Bucks were committed to winning the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately those same 76ers would down Allen’s Bucks later in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Milwaukee’s Big Three sure gave Allen Iverson’s 76ers a fight.

Next: 26. An Early Retirement

Nov 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Bucks 124-83. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

26. Larry Sanders’ Retirement

It was news that felt like it was coming for quite a while, but that didn’t make it any less surprising when Larry Sanders eventually announced he was stepping away from basketball.

Plagued by off the court issues, the man who many Bucks fans viewed as their long term franchise center announced the news in a heartfelt video via The Player’s Tribune. Sanders had had widely publicized issues with marijuana which had seen him banned by the league on multiple occasions, but they were certainly nothing compared to his struggles with anxiety and depression.

Sanders agreed to a buyout with the Bucks that was much less than the full amount remaining on his contract, and by his own admission he had nothing but good to say about the fans. Sanders’ decision marked a new beginning for the Milwaukee Bucks on the court.

Next: 25. Allen Dunks On McGrady

25. Ray Allen Dunks On Tracy McGrady

This was a Bucks team playing with real intent. Milwaukee showed up for the 2001 playoffs with a confidence and a swagger, that was captured perfectly by this, arguably the most memorable of all of Ray Allen’s moments as a Buck.

2-0 up on the Magic and looking to close out the series with a sweep, a big play from the Magic’s star Tracy McGrady had just given Orlando the lead with the clock winding down.

Ray Allen hit back with the perfect counter. Taking the ball up court himself, the shooting guard just took over, driving to the rim to throw down a powerful dunk and send the game to an extra period. It didn’t matter that the Bucks would end up losing the game, Allen had left his mark on McGrady, and the Bucks would win the series in four games.

Next: 24. Landmark Trade

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks cheer prior to game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

24. 1984 Los Angeles Clippers Trade

In the same way that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s trade to the Lakers saw the Bucks bring home a haul that set them up for much of the remaining years of the 1970s, their blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clipper set the table for much of the ’80s.

Looking to retool so as to ensure their successful team didn’t grow stale, the Bucks traded All-Star forward Marques Johnson, veteran Junior Bridgeman and rotation player Harvey Catchings in exchange for Ricky Pierce, Terry Cummings and Craig Hodges.

Although the deal saw the Bucks part way with two of the franchise’s most beloved figures, it was a massive win for the team as each of Cummings, Pierce and Hodges went on to be key players with Milwaukee for multiple years.

Next: 23. Bucks Beat Jordan's Bulls

23. Bucks Beat Jordan And Bulls In Playoffs

Words by Ti Windisch

The year was 1985. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Sidney Moncrief, beat a team led by a rookie in the first round. That wouldn’t be that memorable of a moment in itself among the rest of the momentous things those Bucks accomplished, but that rookie happened to be Michael Jordan.

Jordan had himself a series, averaging 29 points, 8.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and one block per game. It just wasn’t enough to contend with a veteran Bucks team, led in scoring by Terry Cummings, who also averaged 29 points per game in that series.

Jordan’s Bulls would get their revenge on Milwaukee, beating them in four games in the first round in 1990. Since then the two teams have only met one more time in the postseason–2015, when Chicago won in six games.

Next: 22. Selecting Dr. J

22. Dr. J Says No To Being A Buck

Think of the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1960s, think of the Boston Celtics of the 1980s, the Milwaukee Bucks should have been the team sandwiched between them as the dynasty who dominated the 1970s, but fate conspired against them.

With the 12th pick of the 1972 NBA Draft, the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks selected Julius Erving, the ABA’s biggest star. With Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar already in tow and talented role players like Bob Dandridge and Jon McGlocklin as complementary pieces, Erving could have made Milwaukee the most dominant team in NBA history.

The problem was Erving had already signed a contract with the Atlanta Hawks prior to the draft. Bucks general manager Wayne Embry fought his team’s corner:

"As far as the by-laws of the National Basketball Association go, the rights to Julius Erving belong to the Milwaukee Bucks – it’s as clear cut as that."

It wasn’t to be though, Erving ended up back in the ABA with the Nets, and when he did eventually make it to the NBA, he went on to be a Hall of Famer. The Bucks ’70s dynasty wasn’t to be. Fittingly enough, years later Erving’s final NBA game occurred in Milwaukee.

Next: 21. Drafting Jabari

21. Drafting Jabari Parker

Throughout a dismal 15 win season, there was one piece of solace for Milwaukee Bucks fans to help distract them from what was taking place on the court. That was that their timing seemingly couldn’t have been any better, as a couple of potentially gifted prospects were set to enter the league.

Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker was the question on the lips of most Bucks fans, and the reality was that either way it felt the team couldn’t lose out. When it was Parker who fell to the second spot on draft night, something about it felt like a perfect match. The humble mid-western kid came to Milwaukee, and as he put it himself:

"There’s no better place to be, I feel welcome. Humble beginnings."

The future was instantly brighter. Giannis Antetokounmpo had already proven himself to be a steal, now he had a partner in crime.

Next: 20. Herb Won't Sell To Jordan

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

20. Herb Kohl Won’t Sell To Michael Jordan

Back in 2003, after conquering the world as a basketball player, and then as a businessman through his brand, Michael Jordan decided he wanted another run at the NBA. No, he wasn’t coming out of retirement again, instead he had decided he was ready to become an owner.

Top of his list of potential teams to purchase were the Milwaukee Bucks. With then owner Herb Kohl open about his willingness to sell the team, it only seemed like it would be a matter of Jordan naming a price and the team would be his.

There were always question marks about Jordan’s true intentions for the team (particularly where they may or may not eventually have been located), and in spite of Kohl being pleased with the money offered, he decided against selling the team to the all-time Bulls great. What the future would have held will remain an unknown, but all is well that ends well, right?

Next: 19. Big Dog Taken First Overall

19. Glenn Robinson Drafted First Overall

With the cornerstone figures of the 80s having retired or left the team, when the Bucks landed with the first overall pick of the 1994 NBA draft, it was vitally important that they didn’t select a flop.

The front office played it safe, selecting college standout and former Purdue Boilermaker Glenn Robinson with the top pick. It may still have taken time from then on, but this was the moment that really kickstarted the rebuild that would eventually bring Milwaukee to the Conference Finals in 2001.

Although players of the caliber of Jason Kidd and Grant Hill were selected after him, the Bucks could have no complaints at what they received out of “Big Dog” Robinson during his time with the franchise. When you draft right, good things happen.

Next: 18. Karl Takes Over As Coach

November 28, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Kings 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

18. Arrival of George Karl

He may not have had the longevity of Larry Costello or Don Nelson in the job, but there could be no disputing that George Karl left his mark during his time with the Bucks.

Karl arrived in Milwaukee after a long and successful spell with Seattle and inherited a team who had posted losing records for seven straight seasons. Under Karl’s watch the Bucks never slipped below .500, briefly becoming a major contender.

Although opinions are divided on Karl in the present day in Milwaukee (mostly due to the role he’s said to have played in the Ray Allen trade), he played a big part in building the 52 win team who were one game away from bringing the NBA Finals back to Milwaukee for the first time in 27 years.

Next: 17. Drafting and Trading the German

Dec 7, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates the win over the Milwaukee Bucks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Bucks 125-102. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

17. Drafting And Trading Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki has had a habit of putting on big displays against the Milwaukee Bucks throughout his NBA career, but the story could have been so different. The Bucks selected Nowitzki with the ninth pick of the 1998 NBA draft before trading him on immediately to the Dallas Mavericks.

By that time, Don Nelson had moved on to become the coach and general manager of the Mavericks and had his heart set on landing the big German. Fortunately for him and unfortunately for the Bucks, Milwaukee had their eyes on former McDonalds All-American Robert Traylor.

Nelson drafted Traylor with Dallas’ sixth pick in exchange for the rights to Nowitzki and the number 19th pick Pat Garrity. To add former insult to injury, Nelson then went on to trade Garrity for young Phoenix point guard Steve Nash. It’s all conjecture, as if not for knowing that the Bucks wanted Traylor, Nelson may not have even selected him at six, but that will never stop Bucks fans of thinking about how their two picks in 1998 ultimately amounted to Dallas having Nowitzki and Nash.

Next: 16. Bogut's Gruesome Injury

16. Andrew Bogut Injury

Glenn Robinson wouldn’t be Milwaukee’s last first overall draft pick. Andrew Bogut joined that club in 2005, and although troubled by on again/off again injuries, he was an unquestionably important figure for the Bucks, on the rise throughout his time there.

Disaster then struck during a 2010 game against the Phoenix Suns. Showing his impressive athleticism for a man as big and as imposing as he was, Bogut showed his ability and willingness to get out and run the floor. After a fantastic outlet pass, Bogut finished the play with a thunderous dunk, but a push in the back from Amar’e Stoudemire caused an awkward fall.

The Australian’s right arm took the full brunt of his weight as he hit the ground, resulting in separate dislocations, fractures and sprains. Bogut would never be the same with the Bucks, and the move to trade him away initiated the rebuild which has brought the roster to its present point. Bogut’s fall altered the course of franchise history.

Next: 15. Hammond Enters The Front Office

Jul 2, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond speaks to the press during a news conference featuring new head coach Jason Kidd at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

15. John Hammond as GM

Words by Ti Windisch

John Hammond may not have achieved his ultimate goal of building a championship team in Milwaukee, but he has done a whole lot of good for this franchise. Since he began running the Bucks in 2008, the team has not enjoyed much regular success. Hammond, however, has.

He brought Milwaukee back to the playoffs in the 2009-10 season for the first time since 2006, and was subsequently awarded the NBA Executive of the Year award for his efforts. Hammond has yet to be awarded again for his efforts, but this current Bucks core may force the Association’s hand in recognizing Milwaukee’s architect.

Just in the past four years, Hammond hit a grand slam by getting Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in 2014, selected Jabari Parker in 2014, traded Brandon Jennings for Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton, and played a role in signing Greg Monroe this offseason. Although Jason Kidd may be the vocal head of the Bucks management, John Hammond is the one really making things happen.

Next: 14. Drafting Sir Sid

Feb 7, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks former player Sidney Moncrief waves to the crowd during half time of a game at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

14. Drafting Sidney Moncrief

The 1979 NBA Draft is probably best associated at being the class from which Magic Johnson emerged into the league, but it had similar significance for the Milwaukee Bucks. Although better players may have passed through Milwaukee, none exemplified the organization more than Sidney Moncrief.

Having been taken with the fifth overall pick from a class which was scarce on overall talent, Moncrief went on to play for ten years in Milwaukee. As part of an incredibly talented group of players, Moncrief led the Bucks to successful seasons throughout the decade.

He matched up Michael Jordan tough upon his arrival in the league, and if it wasn’t for Magic and Larry Bird, Moncrief’s Bucks could have been the big winner of the ’80s. Five All-Stars, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and an All-NBA First Team appearance summed up his quality. The Bucks were lucky he was theirs.

Next: 13. Celtics Swept

13. Sweeping Boston Celtics In 1983

There aren’t many occurrences more rare in NBA history than the Boston Celtics getting swept, but that’s exactly what the Bucks managed to do in 1983. After overcoming Atlanta to get to the Conference Semi-Finals, Boston were confronted with a Milwaukee team who had racked up 51 wins in the regular season.

The Celtics, even with a dominant Larry Bird, were no match for a stacked Bucks team which included Moncrief, Marques Johnson, Paul Pressey, Junior Bridgeman, Bob Lanier and Brian Winters. The Bucks became the first team in history to sweep Boston, a feat that wasn’t repeated for 20 years.

Unfortunately, Julius Erving’s 76ers took care of the Bucks in the Conference Finals, but considering the Celtics would go on to win a Championship 12 months later, this series acts as the perfect measure of just how good those Milwaukee teams were.

Next: 12. Kohl Sells To Lasry and Edens

Jul 2, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry (left) as he speaks to the press as partner Wesley Edens listens during a news conference featuring new head coach Jason Kidd at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

12. Herb Kohl sells to Marc Lasry and Wes Edens

Over a decade after he considered selling the franchise to Michael Jordan, it was finally time for Herb Kohl to move on. The team’s role in the community was always of the utmost importance to Kohl, so he ensured that in selling the team that it still ended up in good hands.

Manhattan hedge fund managers Marc Lasry and Wes Edens purchased the team for $550 million from Kohl, having convinced the former state senator that they would work to keep the team in Milwaukee and also bring success to the Bucks.

To date the ownership can’t be accused of having done anything to break that promise. Kohl made a sizeable profit on his original $18 million investment, but showed his continued good will by donating $100 million towards the construction of a new Bucks arena as well as looking after long-term Bucks employees. A good move for all parties involved.

Next: 11. Ray Traded To Seattle

Jun 25, 2015; Cromwell, CT, USA; NBA player Ray Allen walks the course in the first round at TPC River Highlands. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

11. Ray Allen Traded to Seattle

Words by Jordan Treske

It’s arguably the most devastating move/trade in franchise history that the Bucks have done in their 48-year history. Of course, it’s the trade deadline move made a little over twelve years ago that sent Ray Allen to the Seattle Sonics effectively ended the Bucks’ “Big 3” era and put the Bucks in yet another middling period while striving for short-minded as well as short-term success.

The team had a worthy and eventual All-Star player in Michael Redd to fill the void left by Allen, but the move itself closed the chapter on arguably the last prestigious era for the team and was arguably a precursor for many like-minded moves (giving up on franchise worthy/promising players for veterans that didn’t fit) down the road.

What made matters worse was how the team’s soon to be outgoing coach George Karl handled themselves post-trade. After the trade, Karl called Allen “nothing but trouble” and that the team “had no choice but to get rid of him.”

Even though the team’s future looks a little brighter presently, the effects of trading a player like Allen can still be felt today and he still remains a fan favorite.

Next: 10. Close Enough To Taste Success

10. 2001 Eastern Conference Finals

It doesn’t always happen that the two best regular season teams get to go toe-to-toe for a place representing their conference in the NBA Finals, but that’s exactly what happened when the second seeded Milwaukee Bucks squared off with the top seeded Philadelphia 76ers in 2001.

The two heavyweights played out an epic seven game series that was like a rollercoaster with all the to-ing and fro-ing. Milwaukee stole home court advantage away by taking a 2-1 lead in the series, but driven by the outstanding play of Allen Iverson, the Sixers found another gear to finish with.

After a series that comprised of mainly close games, home court in Game 7 became a true advantage for Philadelphia, and a hurdle too many for the Bucks to overcome. In spite of getting closed out with a 17 point loss, the Bucks had had a great season, and the fans had briefly got another taste of the glory days of decades past.

Next: 9. Hiring Coach Nelson

9. Hiring Don Nelson

Replacing a legendary coach is one of the most difficult tasks in all of sport. There aren’t many decisions that can prove more costly, as if the ownership gets it wrong, the good work done by the previous man in the job can be reset in no time at all.

After the Bucks started the 1976-77 season 3-15, former championship winning coach Larry Costello was fired. The Bucks decided to replace him with Don Nelson who had only recently retired as a player with the Boston Celtics, and it proved to be a masterstroke.

Nelson was in touch with what NBA players wanted from their coach, and innovative in terms of implementing strategy and playing style. His work on the sidelines and in the front office was a big part of the reason why Milwaukee won 50 games in seven straight seasons during the 80s. A truly remarkable basketball mind.

Next: 8. Record Win Streak

8. 20 Game Win Streak of 1971

It’s not unusual for teams who win titles to go on good runs throughout their season, but the Bucks were the picture of consistency in 1971, as highlighted by one of the greatest winning streaks the NBA has ever seen.

Between February 6 and March 9, the Milwaukee Bucks rattled off 20 straight wins to assert themselves as the dominant team in the association. The streak was made all the more incredible by the fact that the team had already compiled a 16 game run of wins stretching from October 24 to November 25 to build a strong base at the start of the season.

The streak was a confidence builder for the Bucks, but likely also acted as a concern for the rest of the league. How were they ever going to overcome Robertson, Kareem and Dandridge? The answer as the Bucks taught the Baltimore Bullets that April was that they couldn’t.

Next: 7. Trading for The Big O

Apr 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oscar Robertson at the USBWA Oscar Robertson Player of the Year press conference before the 2015 NCAA Men

7. Oscar Robertson Trade

Words by Ti Windisch

It was April in Milwaukee, and the Bucks were gearing up for another great season led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Milwaukee had made the playoffs in the previous season, but came up short against the New York Knicks in the second round.

Despite having Kareem, the Bucks were missing a piece. Until they made the best trade in franchise history, that is. Milwaukee sent Charlie Paulk and Flynn Robinson over to the
Cincinnati Royals in exchange for Oscar Robertson.

They very next season, the Bucks won it all led by Robertson and Kareem. The season after that, Cincinnati lost the Royals. I wonder why fans would’ve lost interest in the team…

Next: 6. 1974 Finals Loss

6. 1974 Game 7 Finals Loss

Words by Ti Windisch

The Bucks had not been to the NBA Finals since 1971, when they defeated the Bullets to win their first title. The Celtics had not been back since 1969, since Bill Russell had left the team. The two teams met there in 1974, both looking to prove themselves once more.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the best player throughout the series, but John Havlicek and the Celtics proved to be the better team. Boston won in seven games, despite Kareem averaging 32.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

This series proved to be a splitting point in the successes of both franchises. The Celtics went on to make it to the Finals eight more times, winning it all in five of those trips. The Bucks have yet to return to the NBA Finals since the devastating Game 7 loss.

Next: 5. Trading Kareem to LA

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trade

Words by Ti Windisch

One of the darkest days in franchise history was July 16th, 1975. The Milwaukee Bucks dealt Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Junior Bridgeman, Dave Myers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters.

Kareem wanted out of Milwaukee, despite winning a championship here. He went on to win five more in Los Angeles. The Bucks have not returned to the NBA Finals since.

Does it help to receive some very good players in return for Kareem? Not really. He’s probably the best basketball player of all time, looking at his amazing success in high school, college and the NBA. But what’s done is done, I suppose.

Next: 4. New Arena Go-Ahead

Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Outside view of the Bradley Center prior to game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

4. New Arena Greenlight

Words by Ti Windisch

Just this past summer, Bucks fans had to fight hard to keep their team in Milwaukee. After Herb Kohl did his part by ensuring the new ownership group would keep the Bucks where they belong Bucks fans had to do their part by calling their senators and representatives to ensure they could acquire funding for a new arena–a crucial aspect of the sale, required by the NBA.

The team’s stay in Milwaukee was ensured by the efforts of a passionate fanbase. The Save Our Bucks movement, often voiced by Paul Henning, was particularly influential, taking actions such as making it easy for fans to find the phone number to call to voice their support of the new arena to their representatives.

Thankfully, the arena deal has since passed every impeding hurdle. Renderings of the new arena have floated around, and although no ground has been broken at the time of this publication that is sure to happen sooner rather than later.

Next: 3. Bucks Beginnings

Nov 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; A Milwaukee Bucks Dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Creation of Team

Words by Ti Windisch

In a list of the greatest moments in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, how could the creation of the franchise be left out? On January 22, 1968, the NBA awarded a franchise to the city of Milwaukee, and more specifically to investors Wesley D. Pavalon and Marvin L. Fishman.

Those two men became the first president and vice president of the Bucks, respectively. Stock in the franchise was sold to the public a few months later in April of 1968, much as Packer stock is available to fans today.

The Bucks are somewhat unique in that in their entire history, they’ve never switched nicknames or cities. The Bucks are truly Milwaukee’s team–it’s never been any other way, and never will be thanks to Wes Edens, Marc Lasry and the rest of the team’s new ownership group.

Next: 2. A Favorable Flip Of A Coin

Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks and NBA history, throws a souvenir ball to fans during game against the Utah Jazz at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Coin Flip

Words by Jordan Treske

It was literally the flip of a coin that changed the fortunes for the Bucks way back in 1969.

Due to the lowly 27-55 record the team had in the 1968-69 season, their first year as a franchise, the Bucks were pitted against the Phoenix Suns in a coin flip for the first overall pick in the 1969 NBA draft. The winner of the coin flip would be granted the rights of the highly touted Lew Alcindor, now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Suns called heads and therefore, the Bucks called tails. The coin landed on tails.

While the coin flip battle ended up going in the Bucks’ favor, the battle for Abdul-Jabbar didn’t just end when the Bucks selected him. The New York Nets, then out of the ABA, also took Abdul-Jabbar with the first overall pick in the ABA draft and a bidding war erupted between the Nets and the Bucks. Abdul-Jabbar laid down the ground rules and said he would only accept one offer from each team. The Nets bid too low and Abdul-Jabbar chose the Bucks, who bid $1.4 million.

It’s hard to pin the arrival of one person or player as the reason for a turnaround like the Bucks experienced the following years to come, but Abdul-Jabbar is the one of the few exceptions to prove that. Had either the coin flip been heads or the bid been too low, it’s likely the Bucks’ early successes might not have to come to pass. It’s funny how some things work out sometimes.

Next: 1. Bucks Win It All

1. 1971 Championship Win

Words by Ti Windisch

The 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks were a powerhouse. Much was made of the Golden State Warriors fielding the second best offense and the best defense in the NBA last season. The ‘70 Bucks scoff at that–they led the NBA in both offensive and defensive rating.

With the newly-acquired Oscar Robertson working alongside Bob Dandridge, Jon McGlocklin and of course Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee annihilated the rest of the Association. Those Bucks finished the regular season with a remarkable 66-16 record, and marched through the playoffs with ease.

Milwaukee was 12-2 in the postseason, needing five games to dispatch both the Lakers and Warriors before meeting the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Finals. The Bullets proved little challenge to the Bucks, who swept them to claim Milwaukee’s first and only NBA Championship.

Kareem ended up with Finals MVP, after putting up an incredible 27 points, 18.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He probably had himself some blocks as well, but unfortunately that stat wasn’t yet tracked at the time.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: All-Time Greatest 15 Man Roster

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Adam McGee

Adam is a graduate of Multimedia at Dublin City University, Ireland. Fanatical about sports in general, he has a particular love for soccer, golf, mixed martial arts and the NBA. He is a Site Expert at Behind The Buck Pass, covers the Atlanta Hawks for HoopsHabit, writes about the NBA for The Step Back, and MMA for FanSided. Adam has also previously contributed to The Cauldron and has written for the Hardwood Paroxysm Quarterly.