The Milwaukee Bucks are renowned for their tight-knit community within the organization, backed by an unwavering fan base that has stood by the team through thick and thin, including their two-time NBA championship victories. With their most recent title secured in 2021 and a strong bond formed with Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have consistently remained contenders in the NBA playoffs since the late 2010s.
Giannis has been instrumental in attracting other talented players to join the Bucks’ fold, including Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and even reconciling with Patrick Beverley, who set aside past grievances to become part of the Bucks. This unexpected cohesion seems to have strengthened the team’s chemistry, particularly evident since the All-Star break, positioning them favorably in the league.
However, this harmonious atmosphere hasn’t always been the case for the franchise. Some players have experienced contentious departures from the Bucks. For instance, Ray Allen, drafted as the 5th overall pick in the memorable 1996 draft, enjoyed considerable success with the Bucks, ranking second in all-time three-pointers made for the franchise and earning three All-Star appearances. Despite opportunities to return, Allen declined, signaling a lack of interest rather than burning bridges, but his shooting prowess and veteran leadership could have benefitted the team, providing closure where his career began.
Similarly, Brandon Jennings, initially acquired through a lottery pick, voiced a desire to play in a larger market, disappointing Bucks fans. However, this departure ultimately led to acquiring Brandon Knight and Khris Middleton in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, proving beneficial for the team in the long run.
Stephen Jackson, known for his outspoken nature throughout his career, had a brief stint with the Bucks during his 12th season, but his on-court performance was subpar. He was subsequently traded to Golden State and then to San Antonio, where he openly criticized the Bucks in a pre-game press conference, reflecting his declining performance and frustration.
Contrastingly, the Bucks struck gold with Malcolm Brogdon, a second-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, who immediately made an impact by winning Rookie of the Year. However, contract negotiations during the 2019 offseason led to Brogdon joining the Pacers after the Bucks chose not to match the offer. Brogdon expressed disappointment, stating he would have loved to continue playing for the Bucks if they had valued him similarly to the Pacers.
