Milwaukee Bucks: Ultimate Bucks Bracket round 1 roundup
By Adam McGee
Green Region
(1) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar [94%] defeated (32) Jay Humphries [6%]
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated Jay Humphries in the 1-32 matchup, leaving the pre-tournament favorite cruising into the second round. In spite of the circumstances of his departure, Abdul-Jabbar’s success in Milwaukee is indisputable, and he’ll be tough to beat as a result.
(16) Michael Redd [56%] defeated (17) Khris Middleton [44%]
Our own Robby Cowles also outlined why this was going to be a fascinating matchup, and he, again, correctly predicted that Redd would come out on top. This could seem silly in the very short term if Middleton can produce stellar playoff efforts to lead Milwaukee to the promised land this season, but the doubts of many as to his ability to do that are likely what swayed this outcome in Redd’s favor. Redd is the known commodity, his individual contributions were always stellar and most would blame the lack of team success during his time with the team on the poor decisions of ownership and management. He’ll have an unenviable task against Kareem in round two, but Redd moves on all the same.
(8) Ray Allen [88%] defeated (25) Eric Bledsoe [12%]
A bracket like this one has likely come at least a few weeks too soon for Bledsoe, who also will have a chance to significantly bolster his Bucks legacy in the postseason. Beyond that, Bledsoe’s extension gives him further opportunity to make major progress in these stakes in the years ahead, but for now 2001 remains a recent high-mark, and Ray Allen prevailed as a result.
(12) Jon McGlocklin [92%] defeated (21) Quinn Buckner [8%]
Mr. Buckner was no match for Mr. Buck, as Jon McGlocklin rode a comfortable win into the second round of the bracket. Could the much loved Jonny Mac be a dark horse in the overall tournament? Considering he drew more votes than any other player across Facebook and Twitter in Round 1, it’s certainly in play.