Bucks general manager Larry Harris knew that there would be a market for Magloire so he didn't have to shy away from saying publicly that Magloire was available. Magloire didn't want to be here as a backup to Andrew Bogut. Some would question whether Magloire even wanted to be in Milwaukee last season.
To his credit, he was 10th in the NBA in rebounding (9.5 per game). Magloire served his purpose in that he took some pressure off Bogut as a rookie and helped the Bucks get in the playoffs. With Joe Smith's injury at the start of last season, the Bucks would have been hurting inside without Magloire. Had Magloire stayed another season, a negative attitude about being a backup might have proven to be a distraction to the team.
In Portland, they're looking at Magloire as depth at center and power forward. The players the Bucks got back will help in 2006-'07 but still give Harris flexibility for moves next summer. Steve Blake will certainly get some minutes at point guard and Brian Skinner helps provide a cushion if Joe Smith's body breaks down. Ha Seung-Jin is a young project at center.
A big thing to consider is that the Bucks are getting younger.
With the departure of free agents Ervin Johnson (38) and Toni Kukoc (almost 38), Milwaukee's roster will have a more youthful flavor this season. Joe Smith becomes the "old man" of the bunch and he's only 31. Here's a look at the Bucks unofficial depth chart with the players' ages in parentheses.
Point guard: Mo Williams (23); Steve Blake (26)
Shooting guard: Michael Redd (26); Charlie Bell (27); Lynn Greer (27)
Center: Andrew Bogut (21); Dan Gadzuric (28); Ha Seung-Jin (20)
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
