{image1}First, let's say that Michael Redd deserved to make the NBA All-Star team. Now, should the Bucks trade him?
No, we're not trying to pile on the Bucks' guard when he is down. But, Redd, who was passed over for the Eastern Conference All-Star team Tuesday, is an unrestricted free agent after this season. That means he can go anywhere.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who play in the state where Redd has his roots, have been said to be interested in him. Other teams undoubtedly also will have interest in a guy who can average more than 20 points a game.
If Redd decides to go free agent, the Bucks get virtually no compensation. If they trade him before the Feb. 24 deadline, they could get a comparable player in return or a package of a couple young promising players or a high draft pick.
Redd has said he appreciates the Bucks giving him a chance to go from a seldom-used second round draft pick to one of the better scoring guards in the NBA. He has said he would like to stay in Milwaukee.
But, Redd also is a soft-spoken, hard-working player who does not make waves and very likely will say what is diplomatic. He might enjoy the idea of teaming up with Cavs' phenom LeBron James. He also might not be able to resist the big bucks another team might dangle in front of him.
If the Bucks had a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this season, this writer would say keep Redd to help and deal with the salary negotiations later. But, with each loss, the team's chances become only mathematical, and not very likely.
Redd is a fine player but is not a franchise player. He cannot lead the Bucks from a team that misses the playoffs to a championship. He could play a major role in something like that if he had a good supporting cast but not alone.
It looks like the Bucks might need awhile to build that supporting cast. So, maybe dealing Redd makes sense, to get a draft pick who could develop into the franchise player or to free up money under the salary cap to go after another free agent who could fit that role.
By the way, while Redd, who was an All-Star last season, did not make it this year, Dwyane Wade, the former Marquette star, made the East team for the Miami Heat. Former Buck Ray Allen also made the West team.
Spring Training
The Brewers' pitchers and catchers will head to Arizona in just a few days. Position players won't be far behind.
This writer will spend the duration of spring training in Arizona. Starting next week, the lead section of this column will become The Brew Crew Review, with weekly reports from the Brewers' camp.
Information about continuing winter sports like basketball, hockey and indoor soccer will still run in other sections of the column, and the Hot Tix section will still preview upcoming events. You can also read more about those sports in some of the other fine sports columns on OMC.
Former Packers in Super Bowl
Former Packer Jeff Thomason got a lot of publicity for playing in the Super Bowl. The tight end had retired from football, but came back to sign with the Eagles to provide some ensurance in the receiving corps.
Thomason didn't catch a pass, but was credited with one tackle Sunday. Dorsey Levens, also a former Packer, didn't have much of an impact for the losing Eagles either, with one carry for one yard.
On the Patriots' side, lineman Joe Andruzzi, who once played for the Pack, started and played well. Andruzzi, who went to the Pats in 2000, has been part of the team's three Super Bowl championships in the last four years.
The gap between New England and the Packers was very evident if you watched Sunday's game. The Patriots play with a true team concept, while the Packers have relied in recent years too much on Brett Favre and, before he started having injury problems, Ahman Green. The teams' two defenses also are worlds apart.
Hot Tix
The Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bradley Center. The Hawks are one of those teams that could be interested in dealing for Redd.
In college basketball, Marquette travels to Eastern Carolina Saturday. The UW Badgers go to Illinois for what will be a very tough game. UWM plays at Loyola Thursday and then hosts Youngstown State at 7 p.m. Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Arena.
The Wave plays at Chicago on Friday night and hosts the Baltimore Blast at the Cell at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.
In hockey, the Admirals have a very busy extended weekend, starting with a 7 p.m. game against the Houston Aeros Thursday at the BC. They then travel to Chicago Friday and return home Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. game against Utah.
Believe it or not, regional tournament action starts this week in some prep sports like wrestling, swimming and others. Can March Madness be far behind?
