They're letting Pat Connaughton dunk
The Milwaukee Bucks have been campaigning for reserve guard Pat Connaughton to get a spot in the NBA's annual Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium is reporting that #LetPatDunk has been successful and the fifth-year player out of Notre Dame has received and accepted an invite to compete on Feb. 15 in Chicago.
Connaughton will be the first Milwaukee Bucks' player to take part in the competition since Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2015.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1224339268920844292
On a national level, Connaughton may be more of an after thought. But, his contributions to the Bucks this season have been important en route to their league best 42-7 record. Despite just averaging 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, he's a solid wing defender and has put his flat out athleticism on display at any given opportunity.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1067240108825415681
At the NBA combine in 2015, he posted a 44-inch vertical, one of the highest in league history.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/598978921556619264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E598978921556619264&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fnews%2Fearly-lead%2Fwp%2F2015%2F05%2F14%2Fpat-connaughtons-vertical-leap-at-the-nba-combine-had-folks-saying-white-men-can-jump%2F
Enjoy the sampling of Connaughton highlight dunks, because who doesn't love a great NBA mixtape...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjEDre8tyQY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yztFG1sLIY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbJRFS3kgEQ
And, of course, the time he tried to posterize Antetokounmpo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ii4NY7lQ-0
A dream fulfilled for Giannis and Thanasis
The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, snapping their nine-game winning streak.
Following a week of mourning horrific tragedy, the NBA community and basketball world was reminded that there is more to life than just wins and losses. It's about appreciating your loved ones, and cherishing the memorable moments you spend together. Because, truly, you just never know.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis' older brother, said he learned about two hours before tip-off that he'd be making his first career start. Their very proud mother, Veronica, cheering in the crowd.
"Just enjoy it," Thanasis recalled head coach Mike Budenholzer telling him before the game. "You've been working really hard.
"To be able to start with my brother, on the same team, and my family in the stands. And, to be able to have coach trust me, to say 'go guard (Nikola) Jokic and keep him off his game,' it's big."
An audience of Greek fans, celebrating Greek Heritage Night at Fiserv Forum, were in attendance as well. All of them ecstatic to see both Antetokounmpo brothers on an NBA floor at the same time, for the first time ever.
"That was amazing, man," Giannis said. "Great feeling. I don't think we ever started in a game together. Not for the national team. Not for the team we played for before we became pro. Just being able to start with Thanasis, it's something that is always going to stick with me.
"I think he did a great job, was able to bring some energy, get some deflections and get some easy ones. He did a good job."
One minute and two seconds into the game, Thanasis took a steal coast-to-coast and threw down a thunderous fast-break dunk that sent fans into an uproar.
Less than 90 seconds later, he slashed through the lane, catching a pass in-stride and rose for a made layup and an and-one opportunity.
The pass came from his little brother. Giannis fist-pumped in celebration as if he scored the basket himself.
"I know Thanasis as a player," Giannis said about the play. "I know whenever somebody drives the ball, he's going to cut and go for an offensive rebound. I was able to get a lane. I saw (Jerami) Grant taking a step and I saw Thanasis coming full speed.
"I think it was a bounce pass, I don't remember, but he was able to get it and finish."
These moments, whether it be the dunk, or the assist, or Thanasis not knowing where to go when the starters were being introduced and Giannis having to direct him to sit down until his name was called, these moments will never be forgotten by the 'Antetokounbros.'
They never thought these dreams would actually come true.
"Think about this," Thanasis said to discuss how far the two have come. "Think about if you're like 14 years old, right? And you're in your room and you're talking with your brother like,'oh, imagine if we played on the same team, and the gym is packed with 20,000 people and we pass the ball to each other and we score.'
"Legit today, I was running, I saw him and he was going for a layup, so I was like 'let me chase the ball as he goes up' and (Giannis) stops mid-air and passes me the ball and I score. Then I realize, it just happened. So, it's surreal."
Brotherly and teammate chemistry is clearly real, seeing as how Giannis knew that Thanasis would follow the ball, looking for an offensive rebound. Instead, Giannis was able to assist his brother's scoring efforts. In front of 20,000 fans, just as they dreamt it.
"It's crazy, man. It's really insane," Giannis replied when asked about the surreal moment. "When we were growing up we never thought we'd be starting an NBA game, playing together in NBA minutes.
"I'm proud of him. I'm happy for him. I know my mom in the stands, she's really happy about it. I just am happy that Thanasis got the opportunity and was able to do something with it and play hard and help the team."
After the game the duo signed bobblehead boxes before going out to the court to take photos, and sing and talk to the contingent of Greek fans who were there just to see them play basketball.
https://twitter.com/TonyCartagena/status/1223478254637592581
Milwaukee may have lost the game. The film will undoubtedly showcase some defensive deficiencies and areas for improvement.
But tonight, Giannis and Thanasis experienced something they will never forget. Memories that will last forever. And when the final buzzer sounds, isn't that really all that matters anyways?
Brewers add David Phelps to bullpen
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed relief pitcher David Phelps to a one-year contract, the team officially announced on Thursday evening.
Phelps, 33, has played for five other teams since entering the major leagues in 2012 including the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs.
He made 24 appearances for the Cubs in 2019, posting a 3.18 earned run average while giving up two home runs in 17 innings pitched. He struck out 18 while walking 10 in that time span.
https://twitter.com/Brewers/status/1222983585403146240
To make room for Phelps on the 40-man roster, the team announced that pitcher Deolis Guerra was designated for assignment.
MLB.com's Adam McCalvy spoke to Brewers general manager David Stearns about the acquisition.
https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/1222982785889116160
https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/1222993129630052361
Khris Middleton: NBA All-Star, again
End the debates, the news is officially official.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is headed to his second consecutive NBA All-Star weekend. He was voted in as an eastern conference reserve.
Middleton joined the NBA on TNT pre-game show shortly after the announcement and was asked about achieving all-star status two seasons in-a-row.
"Being an all-star last year was a huge goal of mine," he said. "You never want to take a step back."
Despite missing seven games with a left thigh contusion earlier in the season, Middleton is averaging 20.2 points and nearly six rebounds and four assists per game.
He's currently part of the elusive 50-40-90 club. Averaging a better than 50 percent completion percentage from the floor, 40 percent from three and 90 percent from the free throw line.
"I've been counted out a lot in my career," he said following a 51 point performance against the Washington Wizards on Monday night. "That's what motivates me in a lot of ways. Everybody has their opinion on who should be an all-star and who not.
"There's a lot of great players in this league."
Never one to boast about himself, Middleton was answering a question about some analysts thinking he isn't worthy of a spot on the all-star roster.
Although he's technically representing the east, All-Star rosters are divvied up by a player draft. This year's captains are LeBron James and Middleton's running mate, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"I'd be pretty upset if my teammate didn't pick me first," Middleton said during the TNT interview. "We're loyal guys over here, so I don't expect anything different from Giannis right now."
Antetokounmpo signed back in to his social media accounts, after deactivating them over the weekend, to voice his displeasure in the Bucks only having two all-star representatives.
https://twitter.com/Giannis_An34/status/1223068102126198784
The NBA is changing the scoring format for the game this season, working in a charitable component and paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter.
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1222962173376368640
The Bucks were quick to celebrate Middleton's accomplishment via social media.
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1223033732749242368
Middleton showed out in last year's game in Charlotte, scoring 20 points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZklJyGe-vI
Coaches and teammates celebrate Middleton's career night
Khris Middleton walked out of Fiserv Forum on Monday night with a bag of food in his right hand and the game ball under his left.
Same ear-to-ear smile he always has after a Milwaukee Bucks win.
No extra pep in his step.
If you hadn't seen the box score, you wouldn't know whether or not Middleton scored 15 or 50 points against the Washington Wizards. You'd assume it was just another efficient night at the office.
That's just Middleton's demeanor. Lucky for him, 17,000 plus fans and a bench full of teammates gleefully celebrated his 51-point 10-rebound stat line.
"Just a special special night from Khris Middleton," head coach Mike Budenholzer said to open his post-game press conference. "51 (points) on 26 shots is impressive. And we kind of needed him. (The lead) got to eight at one point in the fourth quarter. Phenomenal effort by Khris and the group."
Middleton started his career night by connecting on his first seven three pointers.
He finished the game shooting nearly 62 percent from the floor, 70 percent from three and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line. Those percentages aren't out of character whatsoever, either. Over his last ten games, Middleton is averaging 24.2 points on 57 percent shooting, 53 percent from three and 90 percent from the line.
The only time Middleton acted out of character was when he drove down the middle of the lane and threw down a thunderous dunk for his 50th and 51st points of the night.
"I was tired, I'm not going to lie," he said about the dunk. "To score, to try and put up shots to be aggressive the whole game, that's tough. But I was definitely trying to save a little bit of legs. Didn't think I was going to get there, but somehow I willed myself to get a dunk.
"It was pretty cool to have that as my 50 piece."
The home crowd, flooded with emotion, heavy hearts and Kobe Bryant jerseys, erupted to in celebration. Milwaukee's fan section broke out their "two-time-all-star" chants.
"He got in a rhythm pretty early," Budenholzer added on the performance. "It looked like every shot he was taking, I think he was 9-of-10 at half. Just coming off of his hand well. It had good pop and good bounce. I think everybody was feeding him, playing off of him and celebrating him.
"Such a good player. Such a good teammate. It's great to see him have a night like this and have everyone enjoy it."
Middleton secured the double-double stat line thanks to the awareness of Donte DiVincenzo. Instead of snatching a late game rebound for himself, DiVincenzo let Middleton secure it.
"I was going to take it, I was going to take it," DiVincenzo said laughing. "But, I knew he had nine."
Before the game, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks emphasized that Middleton was definitely an all-star player and received his vote for a spot on the roster. All-Star reserves are set to be announced on TNT this Thursday, Jan. 30.
"It definitely gives me confidence, knowing that coaches around the league appreciate what I do," Middleton said.
He added that he doesn't pay much attention to critics of his game. Or whether or not voters will elect him to represent the East in Chicago this February.
"I just think he's underrated," Budenholzer said adamantly. "He's very nuanced and can sneak up on you and how he gets his baskets. I think the rest of the league is appreciating him more and more.
"I think people that understand the sport know how good he is. At the end of the day it really doesn't matter how he's rated. As long as he's with us that's all we care about."
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1222552733376339969
Middleton said post-game that the entire league is playing with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The Bucks and Wizards took part in tribute, posting an eight and twenty-four second violation to start the game.
"I definitely dedicate that game to him as a thank you for what he did for the game," Middleton said.
Report: Luis Urías to miss 6-8 weeks
The Milwaukee Brewers will be without newly acquired shortstop Luis Urías for the next 6-8 weeks after he underwent wrist surgery in Scottsdale, AZ.
Urías, posted photos from his hospital bed with the caption "I'll be back soon."
He was part of the trade that sent Zach Davies and Trent Grisham to the San Diego Padres. Milwaukee received Urías and left handed pitcher Eric Lauer in return.
MLB Insider Robert Murray was first on the timeline for his return.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B74pFSBJcG6/?igshid=2d5od22tgg9v
The Brewers full roster is set to report to Spring Training on February 17.
During the team's annual "On-Deck" event, manager Craig Counsell told reporters that the injury wasn't something that occurred sliding into a base or being it by a pitch. Rather a nagging discomfort that needed to be examined.
Murray further reported that the surgery was to repair his left hamate bone.
https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1222336767560470529
Braun: This could be my last year playing baseball
Craig Counsell stood in front of a Milwaukee Brewers branded backdrop in a hallway at The Wisconsin Center during the team's annual "On-Deck" event.
Reporters circled him. Counsell answered questions left and right about the off-season, injuries, spring training and more. Veteran left-fielder Ryan Braun meandered around the hallway as well. Well within earshot of Counsell's responses.
"Ryan has a really fun year ahead of him is what I think," he said when asked about the possibility of this season being Braun's last.
"I think it's a motivating year. He's already promising me things privately that I am going to hold him to, I'll tell you that. So I'm interested to see what happens there."
Braun smiled and continued on his way.
Earlier in the day, Braun was asked about the retirement word when discussing his contract, championship aspirations and future with the organization.
"I don't take for granted that this could be my last year playing baseball," he said. "Obviously there is a sense of urgency every year. But for me, knowing that this could be my last chance ever, it's something that certainly adds to that sense of urgency.
"I feel good about the fact that they put a team together that should be competitive again. We went to the post-season the last two years and the team that we lost to last year ended up winning the whole thing."
Drafted fifth overall by Milwaukee in 2005, Braun has spent his entire career within the Brewers system. He made his big-league debut in 2007, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
A year before drafting Braun, the franchise was sold by Bud Selig to current owner Mark Attanasio. He was also asked about the possibility of Braun hanging it up after the 2020 season.
Initially, Attanasio joked that the team has a club option on Braun for the 2021 season.
"We'll try to convince him to play another year but he does have a third child coming," he said. "He's one of those exceptional athletes who wants to go out on top so this could be his last season.
"It's been rare for someone to spend their whole career with one organization. Especially when they perform at the absolute highest level, as he has."
Braun is in the final year of his five-year, $105 million contract extension.
"It's definitely a possibility," Braun added. "We'll see how the year goes, see where I am at physically and obviously my family is always my top priority, so we'll see how everything is going.
"I don't anticipate being able to make a decision until I get through the season, seeing how it goes. Seeing where I am at physically, see how this team looks for next year and see how the family dynamic changes with the third kid."
The 2011 NL MVP also said that he expects to see a similar number of plate appearances this season as he did last year. Admitting that a good number of those could be while playing first base.
Milwaukee cut ties with first baseman Eric Thames this off-season, but did sign Justin Smoak as a free agent. Braun took reps at first base during the beginning of the 2018 season.
"I think you definitely get a little bit nostalgic and think back on the years and how quickly it goes by. I think there is a little bit more reflection and nostalgia knowing that there is a possibility of (retirement)."
Antetokounmpo: I grew up with Kobe
Would Giannis Antetokounmpo be "Giannis Antetokounmpo" without the influence of basketball legend Kobe Bryant?
"I remember the first game I watched was a Kobe game, against the Celtics," a quiet Antetokounmpo said following Milwaukee Bucks' practice on Monday. He recalled that it was his first experience watching the NBA.
"(Kobe) was big, man. He was big. And you could feel it. You could definitely feel it in the air. From yesterday, what happened around the world and how many people reached out to him and to his family, you realize how big he was."
Antetokounmpo was born in December of 1994. Bryant was drafted in June of 1996 and played 20 seasons before retiring in 2016.
"I grew up with Kobe. Kobe influenced my life," he added. "Looking up to him, one of the reasons that I started playing basketball. He's one of the reasons that I am here today.
"Kobe is one of the best players to ever play the game. He was put on this earth, obviously, to be one of the best."
Antetokounmpo worked out with Bryant during the summer of 2018.
During an interview with Jim Paschke, recorded shortly thereafter, he told the story of showing up to the workout with a notebook full of questions, but didn't want it to seem as if he was interviewing his childhood hero. Antetokounmpo also took pride in beating Bryant to the facility that day.
Based on comments, quotes and stories from Bryant's former teammates and coaches, no one ever beats Kobe to the gym. No one ever stayed later than him either. It's part of the legend. Part of the Mamba Mentality.
https://twitter.com/TonyCartagena/status/1221852467022966784
The two stars have shared multiple interactions since. However, Antetokounmpo made it a point to keep those encounters private. When asked repeatedly about memories, conversations or text messages exchanged between them, Giannis said that he intended to keep all of that nonpublic as well.
Antetokounmpo walked slowly to and from the corner of Milwaukee's practice facility where he fielded questions. It didn't take a body language expert to recognize that he was there out of obligation.
Talking was not a necessity in his grieving process after losing a friend. But, he shared pieces of his raw emotion with the world for a tough nine minutes and 50 seconds.
"Everybody deals with tragedy in their own way. I dealt with tragedy a few years ago, with my dad, and didn't come out and speak about it at all." he said. "All I can say is that I pray for the people who were affected by it.
"Yesterday was a horrible day, for basketball and for everybody."
Mike Budenholzer met with reporters as well.
He memorialized Bryant as a fierce competitor. The Bucks head coach even cracked a smile to light-heartedly say he had "bad" memories of Kobe. Bryant played for the Lakers while Budenholzer was an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs. Budenholzer had to help game plan to beat the 18-time all-star and 5-time champion.
From 1996 to 2013, Budenholzer's complete tenure in San Antonio, the Spurs lost to Bryant and Los Angeles in four post-season series.
"It's almost impossible to articulate the tragedy, all of the emotions that you feel and how important Kobe is to his family, to his daughters, to his wife," coach said. "His greatness. I watched a lot of TV yesterday, and one of the things I heard someone say was 'sometimes you just can't describe or articulate greatness.
"That's kind of how I would just like to leave it. You can't put it in to words, the greatness that is Kobe Bryant."
The Bucks posted Giannis' entire interview to their Twitter feed.
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1221913431315488778
Paying tribute
Bryant's impact is obvious when you just look at the footwear on an NBA court. Multiple players wear his signature sneakers during games and practices. At least five Milwaukee Bucks' players wore Kobe's during Monday's practice. That's not abnormal whatsoever. Similar to Giannis, the league is full of players who "grew up" on Kobe.
Milwaukee forward Ersan Ilyasova wore a pair of white and black Kobe's. After practice he told The Zone that he "loves" the shoe, always has and always will.
Wisconsin athletes remember Kobe Bryant
Ryan Braun had already completed his obligatory media availability during the Milwaukee Brewers annual 'On Deck' fan fest on Sunday afternoon.
Braun discussed his off-season, the possibility of retirement and how often he'd play first base this season.
A few hours later, Braun stepped in front of the cameras again. This time, the conversation was somber. Emotional. And nothing that anyone there wanted to be talking about.
"Incredibly inspiring," Braun said when describing the character of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. "For all of us as athletes, we all aspire to have the impact off-the-court that he's been able to have. Just to see how many lives he's positively impacted. To see some of the different business endeavors he has taken on and the success he has had with those things, it's inspiring in itself as well."
News surfaced that Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and other passengers, passed away in a tragic helicopter accident in California.
Braun grew up as a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and called the loss "devastating" and "heart-breaking."
https://twitter.com/TonyCartagena/status/1221539425781501953
Brewers second-baseman Keston Hiura is also a California native. Visibly shook by the news, he spoke on his personal fandom of the Black Mamba, calling Kobe Bryant his biggest idol.
News spread quickly, and athletes across the state publicly displayed their condolences for the Bryant family and the loved ones of everyone else involved in the tragedy.
Aaron Rodgers took to Instagram to pay his respects.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ziTGdpZrN/
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams displayed a "two" and "four" after scoring a touchdown in the Pro-Bowl.
https://twitter.com/tae15adams/status/1221576224885166083
Meanwhile, Za'Darius Smith planned for the NFC's defense to recreate Bryant's patented double-jab-step fade-away.
https://twitter.com/packers/status/1221556986237595653
The Milwaukee Bucks released the following statement, citing Kobe's impact on the game as "legendary."
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1221570061447630850
Bryant entered the league in 1996, and played 20 seasons with the Lakers. A majority of the players on current NBA rosters, if not all of them, watched, and idolized, Bryant's game.
George Hill posted pictures defending Bryant during his time with the San Antonio Spurs.
https://twitter.com/George_Hill3/status/1221553833899438081
https://twitter.com/George_Hill3/status/1221556468782129153
DJ Wilson was in denial, hoping the initial reports on Twitter would come out as a hoax.
https://twitter.com/Lanky_Smoove/status/1221517595418988546
This was one of numerous tributes Pat Connaughton posted.
https://twitter.com/pconnaughton/status/1221545921529380865
The Bucks don't play again until Tuesday when they host the Washington Wizards.
All-Star Antetokounmpo
Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For the second straight year, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar received the most votes among Eastern Conference players, and will captain the 2020 All-Star team. This game will be a rematch of last year's marquee, as LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will captain the Western Conference yet again.
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1220499019207782401
Antetokounmpo is averaging 30 points and nearly 13 rebounds and 6 assists per game this season, leading Milwaukee to a league best 39 wins.
The other East starers are Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), Kemba Walker (Boston), Trae Young (Atlanta) and Pascal Siakam (Toronto).
This doesn't necessarily mean that Antetokounmpo will team up with the other East representatives in Chicago on All-Star Sunday, though. He and James will host a draft, live on TNT, to select from the starter pool and then the reserves.
Last year the game was hosted in Charlotte, Giannis scored 38 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF1exDY0ofs
Per Eric Woodyard of ESPN, Antetokounmpo is set to wear a new colorway of his signature Freak 1, the "Employee of the Month" edition, in the game. They're the third rendition in the sneakers' 'Coming to America' line.
https://twitter.com/E_Woodyard/status/1219983061867253761
The game uniforms are sponsored by Jordan Brand.
https://twitter.com/_JarrelHarris/status/1220500104404180993
What do Bucks fans care about most when it comes to the game? Probably whether or not Khris Middleton will join Giannis in Chicago. The reserves will be announced on January, 30.
This All-Star appearance for Antetokounmpo is his fourth consecutive honor, making him the first player in franchise history to start in four straight games.
