Legends of the Cream City: The Best Bucks

When it comes to basketball, few cities can boast a rich history quite like Milwaukee. From the early days of the NBA to the modern era, the Milwaukee Bucks have been a force to be reckoned with on the court. Over the years, the team has been home to some of the greatest players in the game – legends who have left their mark on the city and the sport itself. From powerful centers to agile guards, each player has brought their own unique strengths and skills to the game. But who are the cream of the crop?

 

Honorable mentions

It’s worth taking a moment to recognize some of the other players who have made significant contributions to the Milwaukee Bucks over the years. This includes players like Michael Redd, who spent 11 seasons with the team and was a two-time All-Star, as well as Glenn Robinson, who was the first overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft and spent eight seasons with the Bucks. Other notable players who just missed out on a spot in our top ten include Vin Baker, Junior Bridgeman, and Jon McGlocklin.

10: Khris Middleton

Kicking off the top ten list is Khris Middleton, a small forward who has been with the Bucks since 2013. Middleton may not have the same name recognition as some of the other players on this list, but his impact on the team over the past few years cannot be overstated. A two-time All-Star, Middleton has been a consistent scorer for the Bucks and has helped the team reach the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 20.9 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 4.3 assists per game, all career highs. Middleton’s ability to knock down threes and create his own shot make him a valuable asset to the Bucks, and his continued success with the team could see him rise even higher on this list in the years to come.

9: Marques Johnson

Next up on our list is Marques Johnson, a small forward who played for the Bucks from 1977 to 1984. Johnson was a five-time All-Star and a key member of the team that won the Western Conference championship in 1983. Known for his smooth, fluid style of play, Johnson was a versatile player who could score from anywhere on the court. He averaged 21.0 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game during his time with the Bucks.

8: Ray Allen

Ray Allen is one of the most iconic players in Milwaukee Bucks history, and he comes in at number eight on our list. A shooting guard who played for the Bucks from 1996 to 2003, Allen was a three-time All-Star and one of the best three-point shooters in the league during his time with the team. He was also a key member of the 2001 team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Allen averaged 19.6 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game during his time with the Bucks, and his smooth shooting stroke and clutch performances made him a fan favorite.

7: Michael Redd

Michael Redd undoubtedly deserves a spot among the best players in Milwaukee Bucks history. He spent 11 seasons with the team and made a significant impact during his tenure. Redd was a consistent scorer, averaging over 20 points per game for six consecutive seasons. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2004 and won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2008. Redd also holds several franchise records, including the most three-pointers made in a season and the most free throws made in a game. His contributions helped lead the Bucks to five playoff appearances during his time with the team. Overall, Michael Redd’s impressive statistics and accomplishments make him a true legend of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.

6: Bob Dandridge

Bob Dandridge is one of the most underrated players in Milwaukee Bucks history, and he comes in at number six on our list. A small forward who played for the Bucks from 1969 to 1977, Dandridge was a four-time All-Star and a key member of the team that won the NBA championship in 1971. He was known for his smooth, effortless style of play and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. Dandridge averaged 18.4 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game during his time with the Bucks.

5: Terry Cummings

Terry Cummings was a power forward who played for the Bucks from 1984 to 1989. Cummings was a two-time All-Star and a key member of the team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1986. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his ability to score from anywhere on the court. Cummings averaged 21.5 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, and 2.6 assists per game during his time with the Bucks.

4: Oscar Robertson

Oscar Robertson is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and he comes in at number four on our list of the top ten Milwaukee Bucks players of all time. A point guard who played for the Bucks from 1970 to 1974, Robertson was a nine-time All-Star and a key member of the team that won the NBA championship in 1971. He was known for his incredible all-around game and his ability to dominate on both ends of the court. Robertson averaged 19.4 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and 5.7 assists per game during his time with the Bucks.

3: Sidney Moncrief

Moncrief is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in NBA history, and his impact on the Milwaukee Bucks cannot be overstated. During his time with the team, Moncrief helped to lead the Bucks to seven straight playoff appearances and two Eastern Conference championships. He was a five-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and his tenacious defense and leadership on and off the court made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

2: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the current face of the Milwaukee Bucks, and he comes in at number two on our list of the top ten players in franchise history. A power forward who has been with the team since 2013, Antetokounmpo is a two-time NBA MVP, a five-time All-Star, and a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He has led the Bucks to two straight Eastern Conference championships and was instrumental in the team’s run to the NBA championship in 2021. Antetokounmpo is known for his incredible athleticism, his ability to play multiple positions, and his leadership both on and off the court.

1: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

And finally, at the top of our list of the top ten Milwaukee Bucks players of all time is none other than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. A center who played for the Bucks from 1969 to 1975, Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. During his time with the Bucks, he was a three-time MVP, a six-time All-Star, and a key member of the team that won the NBA championship in 1971. Abdul-Jabbar was known for his unstoppable skyhook and his incredible scoring ability, and his impact on the game cannot be overstated. He averaged 30.4 points per game, 15.3 rebounds per game, and 4.3 assists per game during his time with the Bucks, and his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history is secure.

 

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