s_knight8@hotmail.com

http://www.espn1070.com/topstories.html

SALE OF BUCKS TO MICHAEL JORDAN SOUNDS IMMINENT

NBA sources say an announcement regarding the sale of the Milwaukee
Bucks to a group led by Michael Jordan could be made as early as this
afternoon. Bucks owner Herb Kohl is looking to sell the team for $170
million.Talks between Kohl representatives and Jordan's group have
intensified in recent weeks. The sources say discussions have reached
such a point that whomever Milwaukee decides to choose with it's
number-eight pick must be okayed by Jordan. Both Kohl and Jordan have
refused to comment on whether the former NBA great will be taking over
ownership of the team, but Jordan has made no secret of his desire to
run an NBA franchise.

Milwaukee Bucks General Manager Ernie Grunfeld says he's listening to
any offer from other clubs regarding the team's eighth pick in the NBA
draft tonight. Grunfeld says he's already received offers that would
allow the Bucks to move up and move down, including a rumored deal
that would sent guard Sam Cassell to Miami for the Heat's first-round
pick at number-five. Grunfeld says despite the offers, he has no
qualms about staying at number eight. The Bucks are looking at two
former Kansas players, point guard Kirk Hinrich, and power forward
Nick Collison, who are expected to be available when the Bucks make
their selection.

europa2846@aol.com

I'm enjoying watching the Milwaukee media work itself into a frenzy over all
of this, saying how horrible it would be for the Bucks. Bullshit. There's no
way of knowing whether it will be good or bad. There's been a number of stories
which say Jordan would only serve to underscore his own credibility if he moved
the team (not to mention the fact there really isn't anywhere for him to go and
it's doubtful Stern will want to see the Bucks moved given their history in the
league and solid fan support). What's more, there's no way to guarantee *any*
new owner wouldn't move the team at some point.
My only concern with Jordan is whether he will show more improvement in
terms of personnel matters than he did with the Wizards, because with the
exception of clearing cap space, his tenure there was pretty putrid. It's clear
his name alone won't attract quality players -- that was evident with the
Wizards -- so he'll need to surround himself with some good personnel people
and hopefully learn from the mistakes he made with the Wizards.

dee

Yes, the Bucks need a new start. There are several disgruntled players;
including Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson (the latter was hurting the team);
who are not with the team anymore. MJ might find a way to sign GP or re-sign
him. If GP bolts for the LAL; that would be Ray Allen, the 14th pick, Ollie,
Murray; for only Desmond Mason, who's a good player but not equal return.

.......................

dee

Yes, the Bucks need a new start. There are several disgruntled players;
including Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson (the latter was hurting the team);
who are not with the team anymore. MJ might find a way to sign GP or re-sign
him. If GP bolts for the LAL; that would be Ray Allen, the 14th pick, Ollie,
Murray; for only Desmond Mason, who's a good player but not equal return.

.......................

dee

There isn't much freed up cash if GP is not signed. The Bucks can use their
midlevel exception is all. They are well over the cap. Yes though Cassell is
one disgruntled player gone. Smith if healthy is more physical and a better
rebounder than T Thomas, so a firesale of TT may happen for someone like
Dale Davis or Ostertag or some other overpaid rebounder-center. MJ has the
task of re-signing or signing and trading GP. It would be a worthy
challenge. There is hope for fans.

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news:<3oLKa.66550$Io.6246000@newsread2.prod.itd.ea rthlink.net>...

isaac

I think that when the fans are most excited about productive (albeit with
problems) players who are no longer with the team, immediate success for
that team isn't on the horizon.

It wasn't all that long ago when everyone was complaining that the Bucks
weren't on TV enough. Now nobody really cares to watch them.

Isaac