Who were the best Milwaukee Bucks players snubbed for the all-time team in NBA 2K18, and what sort of team would they make up together?
Most NBA fans will know that 2K has recently released the highly anticipated NBA 2K18 video game. Building upon that, most fans will also be aware that the game includes all-time teams for each of the 30 franchises in the NBA, including the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Milwaukee team that 2K released is admittedly a very strong side, featuring some of the greatest players in NBA history. For example, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sidney Moncrief and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all included from their respective generations.
But while 2K selected many fan favourites, they also left off several more, in a move which has angered many fans around social media. Of course, for some players this can come down to issues over image rights, but then referring to any franchise’s team in an all-time capacity is going to cause debate if there are glaring absences.
Our own Ti Windisch published a piece at the time, outlining some of the most glaring omissions from the Bucks’ entry, but that then begs the further question, how many other players have 2K snubbed in this all-time Milwaukee Bucks team?
To try to figure it out, I compiled another all-time Bucks squad, made up of those who didn’t make the cut for whatever reason in this particular edition of 2K.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the Milwaukee Bucks all-time snub team.
Honorable Mention: Monta Ellis (2011 – 2013)
Position – Shooting Guard
Statistics – 18.9 points, 6.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 steals per game
It’s probably a stretch to describe Monta Ellis as a snub from a Milwaukee all-time roster as he only spent one and a half seasons as a Buck. But in that time, he set multiple records as a high usage guard who gave his all, night in and night out.
Brought to Milwaukee in the trade that sent Andrew Bogut to Golden State, Ellis teamed up with Brandon Jennings to form one of the smallest backcourts in the NBA.
Standing at 6’3″, Ellis is severely undersized as a shooting guard and often ran into trouble when matched against taller two guards. What Ellis lacked in defence, he more than made up for in offense, though.
In his time in Milwaukee, Ellis averaged
- 37.2 minutes per game (fifth in Bucks history)
- 18.9 points per game (ninth in Bucks history)
- 6.0 assists per game (fifth in Bucks history)
- 1.9 steals per game (fifth in Bucks history)
Ellis also had one of the highest usage rates in Bucks history during his time in Milwaukee.
During his lone full season with the side, he helped the Bucks to the playoffs and won a lot of fans with his 100 percent commitment to the side.
So while he may not feature prominently as a snub in Milwaukee’s all-time roster, he does deserve, at the very least, an honorable mention.
Reserve: Alvin Robertson (1989-1993)
Position – Shooting Guard
Statistics – 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2.7 steals per game
Bucks Records – Fourth in steals, First in steals per game
Accolades – NBA All-Star (1991), NBA All-Defensive First Team (1991), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1990), NBA steals leader (1991)
There are four players in Milwaukee Bucks history who have been awarded a place in both All-NBA First and Second Defensive teams. Alvin Robertson is one of them. Brought to Milwaukee in the deal which sent Bucks legend Terry Cummings to San Antonio, much was expected of the defensive specialist entering his sixth year in the NBA.
Robertson certainly delivered on his promise in Milwaukee, providing the elite level of defense which had seen him win Defensive Player of the Year in 1986 with the Spurs. Robertson averaged 2.7 steals with Milwaukee and actually led the league in 1990-91 with 3.0 steals per game. Robertson also provided extremely valuable scoring and playmaking to the Bucks.
In the midst of his fourth season in Milwaukee, Robertson was traded to Detroit for Orlando Woolridge, but not before he had left his mark on the team. To this day, Roberton holds the record for the most steals per game for Milwaukee and currently sits fourth in all-time steals per game.
Reserve: Khris Middleton (2013 – present)
Position – Small Forward
Statistics – 14.5 points, 4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals per game
Bucks Records – Eighth in three-point field goals made
Brought to Milwaukee as a complete afterthought in the Brandon Jennings trade, Middleton has exceeded all expectations to forge an elite career with Milwaukee thus far. In a time where 3-and-D specialists have become incredibly valuable, Middleton has separated himself from this field and gone a step further.
Middleton is clearly the second best player on this current Milwaukee roster and has every chance this year of earning an All-Star berth, in a weak Eastern Conference.
Middleton has made the eighth most three-pointers in Milwaukee history, and has done so while shooting at 40.8 percent (sixth-best in franchise history). Middleton is also a tremendous defender, currently sitting at 1.4 steal per game, good enough for 10th best in franchise history.
Middleton’s value to the side was on full display when he returned from injury late in the 2016-17 season, and the team then went 20-11 to finish the year with him back in the team.
Middleton is clearly one of the best players Milwaukee has produced this side of the 21st century. Middleton is also still just 26-years-old and has time to go on and forge one of the most prolific careers in Bucks history.
Reserve: Mo Williams (2004-2008)
Position – Point Guard
Statistics – 14.1 points, 5.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals per game
Bucks Records – 10th in three point field goals made
The much maligned Mo Williams, is unfortunately best remembered in Milwaukee for the behemoth of a contract his management was able to wring out of the Bucks in 2007. Williams signed a $52 million deal over six seasons, which at the time, made him one of the highest paid guards in the league. But don’t let that detract from Williams’ value to Milwaukee during his four seasons with the side.
In that time, Williams averaged a very healthy 14.1 points and 5.7 assists per game and combined well with Bucks legend Michael Redd and young center Andrew Bogut. Williams was also a very good three-point shooter and shot at 36.4 percent from deep during his time with the Bucks.
He currently sits 10th on the list for the most made three-point field goals in Bucks history. While his 5.7 assists per game, places him ninth best in Bucks history.
Mo Williams was the ultimate battler for Milwaukee and played well above what was expected of him when Milwaukee signed him as a free agent for $1.6 million a season back in 2004.
Bench: Quinn Buckner (1976 – 1982)
Position – Point Guard
Statistics – 10.3 points, 5.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals per game
Bucks Records – Fourth in assists, First in steals
Accolades – Four-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
During his six seasons in Milwaukee, Quinn Buckner laid the foundations for being considered as one of the greatest defenders in Bucks history. Four times, Buckner was voted into the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, as he combined with Sidney Moncrief to become the most frugal backcourt in the NBA.
While Buckner only averaged 10.3 points per game, he played on teams that were so dominant offensively, that he was never required to be the man on that end of the floor. Franchise legends like the aforementioned Moncrief, Junior Bridgeman, Brian Winters and Marques Johnson all played with Buckner and provided the scoring punch needed for Buckner to then focus his energy on defense.
That is not to say Buckner was completely incompetent on offence, as in his last two seasons in Milwaukee, he averaged above 13 points per game.
Buckner’s best asset to his team was his ability to steal the ball off opposing guards, though. During his time with Milwaukee, he averaged 2.3 steals per game and still holds the record for the most steals in franchise history.
Buckner’s ability to distribute also did not go unnoticed, as he sits fourth on the list for most assists in Bucks history. Buckner is truly one of Milwaukee’s greatest point guards, who played in one of the most dominant eras in franchise history.
Bench: Tim Thomas (1998 – 2004)
Position – Power Forward
Statistics – 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game
Bucks Records – 7th in three-point field goals made
Tim Thomas was born twenty years too early. Had he been playing in the modern day NBA, his skills as a pure stretch four would have served him well and perhaps, seen him gain more attention around the league. During his six seasons in Milwaukee, Thomas averaged 12.2 points per game, while shooting 36.1 percent from deep.
Playing in a different era, Thomas’ skills were not fully appreciated and as a result, Thomas only averaged 3.1 attempts from deep, per game. As a 6’10” power forward, his skill-set closely matches Rockets stretch four Ryan Anderson, scheduled to enter the second year of his $80 million deal.
Thomas’ fame and value in the league never reached those heights, but he did however prove his worth to the Bucks during his time in Milwaukee. Thomas proved to be a crucial cog in the 2000-01 season, playing a complementary role to the “Big Three” on the way to the Conference Finals.
Thomas currently sits seventh in franchise history for most made three-point field goals and earns his place on this snubs team, as a genuine stretch four who played well before his time.
Bench: Alton Lister (1981 – 86, 1994 – 1996)
Position – Center
Statistics – 7.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 blocks per game
Bucks Records – 10th in total rebounds, 1st in blocks.
Alton Lister’s contribution to Milwaukee is best highlighted when statistics are taken off the board. Although he did finish his career as the all-time leader for blocks and the 10th best rebounder in franchise history, Lister’s value to the side cannot be measured in any box score.
In 1983, he finished 15th in MVP voting, receiving five votes. Of the 23 players who received votes that year, Lister was the only player to average below 15 points per game. As it was, he finished with 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Rather mediocre numbers by anyone’s standards, let alone someone in actual MVP consideration.
Lister’s sheer ability to impact plays and stop them before they began was his largest asset to his team. Lister was such a presence on the defensive end, altering countless plays per game, which do not appear on the box score. You also cannot sleep on Listers ability as a pure rim protector, as Lister currently sits first overall with the most blocks in franchise history.
Lister also finished his career in Milwaukee sitting seventh overall in all time defensive win shares and defensive rating. Lister is truly one of the greatest Milwaukee centers of all time and is a clear snub from this side, likely due to a statistical bias which just doesn’t reflect his impact on teams during his time in Milwaukee.
Bench: Brian Winters (1975 – 1983)
Position – Shooting Guard
Statistics – 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals per game
Bucks Records – Fifth in games played, sixth in minutes played, sixth in field goals made, third in assists, fifth in steals, eighth in total points.
Accolades – Two NBA All-Star Selections (1976, 1978), Number 32 retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
Brian Winters is a Bucks legend in the truest sense of the word. Brought to Milwaukee in the blockbuster trade for Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Winters spent eight seasons with the Bucks and set countless records during that time.
The talented shooting guard made two All-Star teams and made six playoff appearances during his stint in Milwaukee.
Winter’s most valuable skill however was his consistency. During his first five seasons, Winters only missed five regular season games, while averaging close to 19 points per game. In a side that had lost their best player in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Winters offered the franchise a talent they could build the team around.
In the years between the loss of Abdul-Jabbar, and the acquisition of Marques Johnson and Sidney Moncrief, Winters kept the Bucks relevant and the franchise afloat.
By the time, Winters retired from the NBA in 1983, the Bucks were again one of the dominant sides in the league. Due to the time period he played and starred in, his contributions to the side are mostly lost to history. But thankfully, the Bucks recognised his time with the franchise, when his No. 32 was retired.
Winters is truly one of the most talented guards to ever play in Milwaukee and it is truly a travesty that he was not included in the Bucks All-Time team by 2K.
Sixth Man: Junior Bridgeman (1975 – 1984, 1986-87)
Position – Small Forward
Statistics – 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals per game
Bucks Records – First in games played, eighth in minutes played, fifth in field goals made, ninth in steals, seventh in total points
Accolades – No. 2 retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
While he is certainly not the best player to don the deer uniform, Bridgeman was a picture of consistency during a time when it was desperately needed by the Bucks. Brought to the team, along with Winters in the Abdul-Jabbar trade, Bridgeman played 10 seasons in Milwaukee and still holds the record for the most games played by a Bucks player.
Bridgeman played largely in a sixth man role for Milwaukee in 711 games, while only starting in 23. Bridgeman was excellent in his role however, scoring 9892 points while shooting at almost 50 percent from the field.
Bridgeman combined with Winters to form a dynamic duo which helped mitigate the loss felt by the side when Abdul-Jabbar left. Unlike Winters however, Bridgeman stayed with the side well into the mid 1980s, when Milwaukee had regained their peak form again.
Bridgeman’s commitment to the Bucks and sheer consistency should have earned him a place in the all-time Bucks squad. While he was never the best player on his team, time and again, Bridgeman’s name was introduced for 10 seasons and 711 games. Bridgeman is, in every sense of the word, a Milwaukee Bucks legend.
Starting Point Guard: Sam Cassell (1999 – 2003)
Statistics – 19 points, 7.2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.2 steals per game
Bucks Records – fifth in assists
Sam Cassell is, simply speaking, one of the greatest point guards to ever play for Milwaukee. Cassell was brought to Milwaukee, via an eight-player trade in 1999 and proceeded to form the “Big Three” with Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson. In total, he spent five seasons in Milwaukee and set countless records along the way.
Currently, Cassell sits inside the top ten for Milwaukee in:
- Total assists (fifth)
- Free throw percentage (sixth)
- Minutes per game (10th)
- Points per game (eighth)
- Assists per game (second)
- Player efficiency rating (fourth)
- Offensive rating (ninth)
- Offensive win shares (seventh)
Prior to Cassell’s arrival, the Bucks had not won more than 36 games in almost a decade. In the four years he was in Milwaukee, they never won less than 41 games, including the famous 52-30 team which made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cassell was a breath of fresh air in Milwaukee and his elite level of play saw the greatest period of success the franchise had experienced since the 1980s. Cassell’s omission from the all-time Milwaukee team is a travesty.
Starting Shooting Guard: Marques Johnson (1977 – 1984)
Statistics – 21 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals per game
Bucks Records – 9th games played, 7th minutes played, 4th field goals made, 5th free throws made, 3rd total rebounds, 9th assists, 6th steals, 8th blocks, 6th total points
Accolades – NBA All-Rookie First Team, four time NBA All Star Selections (1979-81, 1983), two time All-NBA Second Team (1980-81), All NBA First Team (1979)
The undoubted number one snub of the all-time Bucks team is Milwaukee legend Marques Johnson. Although he primarily played at the three during his career, for the purpose of this team he’s going to slot in at shooting guard.
The five time All-Star (four with Milwaukee) was an unstoppable force during his seven seasons in Milwaukee, setting multiple records along the way. Sidney Moncrief and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the only other Bucks in history to ever be voted on to an All-NBA First team. Johnson still holds the record for the most offensive rebounds in franchise history, while appearing inside the top 10 in 17 statistical categories overall.
While Johnson’s overall value to the side was immeasurable, his sheer ability to score separates him from most others in Bucks history. His 25.6 points per game in the 1978-79 season, sees only Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Redd higher than him for most points in a season. His overall points tally 10,980 is sixth in Bucks history, while his average of 21.0 points per game sits him at fourth overall.
Johnson is clearly one of the greatest Bucks players ever, and his omission from the all-time Bucks team is just a complete and utter joke. Much akin to the wait for his jersey to be retired by the Bucks, one can only hope that both situations are rectified by the time NBA 2K19 is released.
Starting Small Forward: Glenn Robinson (1994 – 2002)
Statistics – 21.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals per game
Bucks Records – Eighth in games played, third in minutes played, third in field goals made, third in three-point field goals, fourth in free throws made, sixth in total rebounds, seventh in steals, second in total points.
Accolades – NBA All-Rookie First Team, two-time NBA All-Star (2000-2001)
Much was expected of Glenn Robinson when he was taken first overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, and he certainly did not disappoint. By the time he left Milwaukee in 2002, he had set countless franchise records and led them to their most successful season of this millennium.
In only one of Robinson’s eight seasons in Milwaukee, did he average below 20 points per game. Early in his career, he combined with fellow Bucks legend Vin Baker to carry the team, during some of their worst seasons as a franchise. Later, he would team up with Sam Cassell and Ray Allen to form one of Milwaukee’s finest teams.
Robinson is clearly one of the finest players to ever play for the Bucks and it is absurd that he was not selected by 2K in the all-time Bucks team. Robinson features 18 times in Bucks top 10 records for individual statistics and played in a very successful team too.
Starting Power Forward – Ersan Ilyasova (2005-07, 2009-2015)
Statistics – 10.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Bucks Records – Sixth in three-point field goals, ninth in offensive rebounds
Ersan Ilyasova does not quite fit the mold of the other four starters in this team. However, the Bucks have had an unusual dearth of elite power forwards over the years, and his impact on the team during his seven seasons in Milwaukee, along with the sheer lack of other quality options, means he has been promoted to the starting power forward position.
As mentioned earlier this month, Ilyasova is certainly a cult hero amongst Bucks fandom. At times, he looked like one of the premier stretch fours in the league with his ability to knock down threes, take defensive charges and grab offensive boards, all at an elite level. In a game in early 2012, Ilyasova pulled in 25 rebounds including a then franchise record 13 offensive rebounds, while also pouring in 29 points to carry the Bucks to a seven-point win. When he was hot, Ilyasova was really hot.
But for every game like that, Ilyasova would follow up with a poor performance, earning himself a reputation as a picture of inconsistency. As a result, he would often find himself in trade rumors during each passing offseason.
However year after year, Ilyasova kept showing up fit and ready to contribute. Overall, Ilyasova played 453 games in Milwaukee which puts him inside the top 20 in Bucks history. He still holds top ten records for most three point field goals and offensive rebounds.
Starting Center: Jack Sikma (1986-1991)
Statistics – 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks per game
Bucks Records – Eighth in total rebounds, first in free throw percentage.
Ironically, Sikma was traded to Milwaukee in a blockbuster move which sent fellow all-time snub center Alton Lister to the Seattle SuperSonics. Much was expected of the seven time All-Star when he arrived in Milwaukee and thankfully he did not disappoint.
During his five season stint in Milwaukee, Sikma was the picture of consistency, missing only a handful of regular season games, and providing meaningful contributions on both ends of the floor.
During these five seasons, Milwaukee never once missed the playoffs and played with a 0.568 winning record. Todays Bucks teams can only dream of this type of consistency and Sikma was a big part of this success.
What separates Sikma from fellow centers was his ability to knock down free throws. In the 1987-88 season, Sikma led the whole league, shooting 92.2 percent from the line. Overall, during his time as a Buck, he shot a Bucks record 88.4 percent from the charity stripe on 3.6 attempts per game. Astonishing numbers from anyone, let alone from a position historically known for poor free throw numbers.
Sikma was a vital part of the success Milwaukee had during the late 1980s. Unsurprisingly, the year after Sikma left, the Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Top-10 individual seasons in franchise history
The Bucks would not make the playoffs for seven seasons in a row following Sikma’s departure, highlighting the impact he (amongst others) had on the team.