MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Veteran small forward Richard Jefferson wasn't exactly overjoyed when he learned that he had been traded by the Nets to the Bucks last summer. Yet, Jefferson was the consummate professional throughout the season and became the Bucks' undisputed leader on and off the court.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: When the Bucks selected Joe Alexander with the eighth overall pick in last summer's NBA draft, they didn't necessarily expect him to come in and start. But they did envision Alexander being a key contributor. But the 6-foot-8 forward from West Virginia didn't play the defense demanded from him by coach Scott Skiles and played infrequently until the final weeks of the season. FREE AGENT FOCUS: Bucks general manager John Hammond reiterated his plan is to retain both point guard Ramon Sessions and power forward Charlie Villanueva, both restricted free agents. Veteran F Malik Allen and veteran C Francisco Elson both said they intend to pick up the option year on their contracts and remain with the Bucks.
PLAYER NEWS:
--C Dan Gadzuric had a legitimate reason for not playing with The Netherlands national team this summer: He's getting married. Gadzuric will marry Lisette Franco in Milwaukee in July.
--G Damon Jones is a free agent and acknowledges it's highly unlikely he'll return to the Bucks. However, the 32-year-old Jones said he's quite confident he'll latch on with another team for next season.
--F Joe Alexander is one of the few Bucks who have remained in Milwaukee. Alexander has been working out regularly at the team's practice facility.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--C Andrew Bogut (stress fracture in lower back) has resumed basketball activities and is expected to be ready for training camp.
