Nets-Bucks Preview

4/11/2008 10:52 PM

By DAN PIERINGER
STATS Writer

The Milwaukee Bucks haven't had much reason to be optimistic this season, having clinched their third trip to the lottery in four years. However, they can be encouraged that when they make that draft pick in June, they'll have a new general manager calling the shots.

One day after announcing the hiring of John Hammond as general manager, the Bucks look to snap a five-game losing streak on Saturday when they host the New Jersey Nets, the latest Eastern Conference team to be eliminated from playoff contention.

Milwaukee (26-53) hasn't had a winning season in five years, and hasn't won a playoff series in seven. On their way to their fourth straight last-place finish in the Central Division, the Bucks might feel better about their chances next season after hiring one of the division's most successful executives over the last several years.

The 53-year-old Hammond has spent the last seven years as the No. 1 assistant to Detroit Pistons GM Joe Dumars as the team's vice president of basketball operations. Detroit won at least 50 games in all seven seasons Hammond was there, captured six division titles, made five straight appearances in the Eastern Conference finals and won an NBA title in 2004.

"The Bucks are a history-rich franchise with amazing fans and I look forward to the challenge of bringing a championship back to Milwaukee," Hammond said.

Hammond, who's replacing the fired Larry Harris, has a lot of work to do for a Bucks team that has lost 15 of its last 18 games. Milwaukee shot 38.3 percent and gave up more than 100 points for the 10th straight game in a 102-86 loss at Boston on Friday night.

"We all want to get this thing turned around," Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak said. "We've got someone leading the ship now. I'm looking forward to sitting down and talking about a plan to make the Bucks respectable again."

Nets coach Lawrence Frank was also talking about a return to respectability after his club was eliminated from playoff contention with a 113-85 loss at Toronto on Friday night.

"We feel like we've let down our fans, our management and our ownership," Frank said. "We're all accountable for it and we have to be resolved that this will never, ever happen again."

Vince Carter, who signed a five-year contract worth at least $66 million with New Jersey (32-47) before this season, agreed with his coach's assessment.

"I'm with him on that one," said Carter, averaging 28.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists in his last 11 games. "I'm going to do everything in my power to come back, play this year out as hard as I can, do what I need to do to get our confidence back and get the fans back on our side."

The Nets have won eight of their last nine against the Bucks, including the first three meetings this season. They're hoping to complete their first season series sweep of Milwaukee since 1997-98.