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StumblePublished Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 | 9:34 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 | 10:15 a.m.
Kevin Kruger scored eight points in 13 minutes off the bench Monday night for Milwaukee in the Bucks’ 117-79 exhibition defeat to Minnesota.
The former UNLV point guard hit the only shot he attempted and went 5-for-5 at the line. Kruger dished out three assists and had two turnovers in his bid to make the Bucks’ roster.
That will be challenging, since Milwaukee has point guards Luke Ridnour, Tyronn Lue and Ramon Sessions.
Ridnour (knee tendinitis) and Lue (groin) did not play against Minnesota at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
Sessions started, played 35 minutes and scored 11 points, going 3-for-11 from the field and 5-for-8 at the free-throw line. He had six assists and five turnovers.
The Bucks play three times in the next five nights, then they depart for a preseason tour of China.
Two seasons ago, Kruger led the Rebels to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1991.
Good luck Kevin. Play hard because you never know, even with guys ahead of you anything can happen.
Right, Lenny. Injuries are already giving him playing time, and he was more productive in his stint than Sessions. If anyone knows about and appreciates scrappy guard play, it's Bucks coach Scott Skiles.
Man I hope some team gets wise if the Bucks dont keep Kevin. Hes such a team player that leaves everything on the court.
Not only can he dish and shoot, but he plays defense every minute he plays!
Any idea why hes having trouble landing a roster spot Rob? Is it bad luck or bad skills?
Thanks Tom
Not sure Tom.
On one hand, I can see where the ultra-speed of the game might be a factor. But when it comes down to savvy and knowledge and guts, man, Lil' Kruger (sorry Kevin) has it all. He has very good range on his 3s. Plus, he hits free throws. That's a very good package. In the pros, it's all about fitting into the right system with the right players and the right management. It's not simple.
After I saw him play against Wendell White in a D-League game in LA in February, he didn't seem to enthralled with making less than 20k. If it doesn't work out with the Bucks, I think Europe will be ringing his cell.
I can't reveal too much, but stay tuned for somethign more in-depth on that topic.
thanks
its just a numbers game in the NBA. number of guys ahead of you and the number of number$ the available to pay players... Kevin is good but in the NBA everyone is good. On the Bucks roster just look at the guys kevin is competing with for a spot. Ramone Sessions, Tyron Lue, Luke Ridinour. Kevin can compete with those guys, but those guys deff are no slouches. Pluse Luke is comparable to Kevin with his scrappy style(though Kev has a better shot) and is taller. Plus they all been in the league longer than him and were on rosters last season while Kev was in the D League.
After this season if he dosent land on a NBA roster making at least $100K I'd say head over sea's young man. A club over there will easily pay him well over $100K.
No doubt SMB.
Overseas is a nice option. Six figures. House and car. Often, that team pays your taxes. You get to experience another lifestyle and language, if that's important to you. Look at Childress bolting for Europe over an NBA contract. It's always a numbers game in the league, absolutely. Kevin knows that better than anybody, having been the last player cut on the Orlando Magic a year ago. He is tough and smart, a combo that will enable him to cash professional paychecks, whether they're in euros or dollars, for a while.
He'd definitely clean up in Europe. I just don't get the NBA, they're in dire need of selfless players like Kevin.
I couldn't understand one of the toughest competitors I've ever seen on a basketball court - MARK DICKEL, never getting a shot either.