That's something Skiles' predecessor, Larry Krystkowiak, couldn't get his team to do. The Bucks were arguably the worst defensive team in the NBA last season. The Bucks gave up 103.9 points per game and allowed their opponents to shoot 48 percent from the field. Ouch.

As such, Skiles has placed an extraordinary amount of time in practice working on defense. While it remains to be seen whether Skiles' efforts will pay off, there isn't any doubt the Bucks will be an explosive offensive outfit.

In Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson, the Bucks have two dynamic scorers. Redd averaged 22.7 points and Jefferson averaged 22.6 points a game last season. That ranked them eighth and ninth in the league, respectively. The only other team with two top-10 scorers from last season is Denver with Allen Iverson (26.4) and Carmelo Anthony (25.7).

Jefferson could be a godsend for the Bucks. He possesses an exquisite all-around game and has already exhibited his leadership skills.

Jefferson is also a good outside shooter, something last season's starting small forward, Desmond Mason, wasn't. Mason didn't even take one three-pointer last season, enabling teams to sag off of him and double-down on Redd or center Andrew Bogut.

With the addition of an All-Star caliber player like Jefferson and the addition of a veteran and winning coach like Skiles, the Bucks should be a significantly better team and be in the Eastern Conference playoff mix this season.

COACHING STAFF: Head Coach -- Scott Skiles, eighth year overall, first with the Bucks (281-251). Assistants -- Jim Boylan, Lionel Hollins, Kelvin Sampson, Joe Wolf, Bill Peterson.

LAST SEASON; 26-52 record (fifth in the Central Division).

THIS SEASON, PREDICTED: 42-40. (third in the Central Division). First round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

POSSIBLE CHANGES, PREDICTED: Charlie Villanueva will start at power forward but, if he doesn't improve his defense, look for Skiles to replace him and general manager John Hammond to trade him in February.

Point guard Luke Ridnour will also be under the Bucks' microscope. Ridnour is being counted on to be the distributor that last season's starting point guard Mo Williams wasn't. Second-year pro Ramon Sessions has great court vision and could replace Ridnour as a starter if Ridnour falters.