The Milwaukee Bucks has had many great players in over five decades. However, who is their best scorer of all time? There may not be a simple answer to this. Many fans are bound to two different types of analysis: the hard analytical numbers and the eyeball test.
This article will cover some notable scorers in Milwaukee’s history with their numbers and the era in which each player respectively played. The game has evolved, and significant rule changes have transpired. Therefore, some of those rule changes will be mentioned while discussing some players in this article.
Arguably The Best Scorer of all time, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Let’s start with what many will say is the obvious choice: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In his six seasons with the Bucks, Kareem averaged 30.4 points per game. His highest scoring season on the Bucks was in 1971-1972 when he scored 34.1 points per game. We all know Kareem finished his career as the greatest scorer ever by scoring the most points in the NBA. His record stood for decades until LeBron James broke the record last season.
His iconic skyhook is debated as the most “unmissable” shot of all time. Yet, he did have one solid benefit to his game. Kareem could have his back to the basket for more than five seconds. If Kareem had to play under the “Barkley Rule,” maybe he would be even more of a spot-up shooter or place more emphasis on a post fadeaway. Maybe Kareem wouldn’t back down opponents as long as other forwards in his era. It’s something to think about.
He also didn’t play with the 3-point arc for his time in Milwaukee. That innovation to the game came forth during his early years on the Lakers. With his many post moves and shooting capabilities, Kareem was a solid option inside the arc. Outside of the arc, he only made one 3-point shot in his career in the later half of his years on the Lakers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The season veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo has been an offensive juggernaut in his time on the Bucks. Hopefully, he can remain a Bucks player for the rest of his career and not go to a random team like Tony Parker, who left the Spurs and went to the Hornets in his last year. In his career, Giannis averaged 23.2 points per game. The modern-day Superman is averaging over 30 PPG this season.
In the prior season, he averaged 31 points per game. One of the main criticisms of this era is the lack of defense. Handchecking isn’t a thing anymore compared to the 70s-90s. Players can no longer camp in the paint due to newer defensive violation rules.
One main criticism of Giannis’s game is that he doesn’t have a jumper. Bucks fans have seen Giannis gain muscle out of nowhere to help drive into the paint and get his buckets through contact layups, dunks, and free throws. So far in the season, Giannis is shooting 41% off hook shots, so he has somewhat of a decent post-game. His midrange has improved, and he’s shooting 65% this season from overall 2-point attempts.
The Greek Freak’s 3-ball may not make him the best scorer for the franchise. He’s terrible at shooting from long range, but he’s not that type of player. Neither is Kareem. Giannis does have better ball handling, though, for being at a similar height.
The Underrated Milwaukee Bucks Legend Michael Redd
The twelve-year veteran played eleven of his twelve seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. He averaged 19 points per game in his career, sure. Are those more points than what Giannis and Kareem averaged? No, of course not.
HOWEVER, NO ONE CAN DENY HIS SCORING VERSATILITY. Michael Redd once had the franchise record for most points scored in a game thanks to his 57-point performance against the Utah Jazz in 2006. Giannis broke that record by scoring 64 points this season. He’s a better career 3-point shooter than Giannis and Kareem by far.
The Redeem Team USA member was known to shoot from anywhere and had a great probability of making the basket. He was also a decent finisher at the rim and could posterize people occasionally. Michael Redd is one of the best scorers ever for the Milwaukee Bucks because he was reliable from nearly everywhere on the court. There are YouTube videos of his insane highlights, from half-court shots to slamming the ball on opposing defenders.
If lingering injuries didn’t shorten his career, he would flourish in today’s game. During the 2000s, he played against other great shooting guards and small forwards like Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Paul Pierce, and Dwayne Wade. The 2000s was also a defensive era; teams averaged less than 100 points per game from 2000 to 2009.
Another 3-Level-Threat Ray Allen
A former teammate of Michael Redd before his move to Seattle, Ray Allen was possibly the first modern 3-level-threat in Bucks history. Jesus Shuttlesworth averaged nearly 20 points during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.
As the 2000s became more defensive, Ray Allen continued to spread defenses with his limitless range from 3 and amazing shooting from the corners of the court. He was more of a dunker compared to what modern-day fans remember of Allen. Allen quickly got open off the screens and became nearly automatic every time he caught and shot a ball.
Ray Allen was a reliable option in the clutch, like Redd and Kareem. Allen was even an all-star. Due to his size, He didn’t have much of a post-game like Giannis, Kareem, or even Redd. Yet, that didn’t stop him, as he had speed and an excellent basketball IQ to his advantage to get open from any defensive scheme.
Some Honorable Mentions For The Best Scorer In Bucks History
Jon McGlocklin was one of the rare long-range bombers in the late ’60s basketball era. “The Original Buck” was Kareem’s teammate and a viable option for Oscar Robertson to work with late in the game. We know that averaging 12 points per game isn’t spectacular, but how he would get his buckets shooting 50% from the field in his eight seasons with the Bucks makes him a consideration in this conversation. Jon was mostly known as a midrange guy and would easily average more points if a 3-point arc was in his era.
Although he has YET to play a full season, Damian Lillard could be in this conversation if he finishes his career here. Before joining the Bucks, he averaged 30 points per game with the Portland Trailblazers. This season, Lillard is averaging 24.6 points per game. He truly has limitless range, a solid midrange, can dunk here and there, and has a long history of clutch plays. Yet, Damian benefits from this era of lackadaisical defense and plays against more offensive-oriented point guards than perimeter-focused defenders, aside from Patrick Beverley.
Khris Middleton is another option in this conversation. He has averaged over 20 points per game several times in his career. Middleton has played as a great second option for the Bucks throughout the years with a great midrange game, a decent 3-ball, and underrated finishing ability at the rim.
Who’s Milwaukee’s Best All-Time Scorer?
Honestly, it’s very debatable. Some people will go with Kareem based on the records and accolades. Some will say Giannis because of his dominance. Some will say Ray Allen or Michael Redd because of their scoring versatility. Some will say Middleton or McGlocklin because of their efficiency. It’s entirely subjective. Feel free to let us know in the comments who you think is the best scorer in Bucks history!
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