The Milwaukee Bucks are heavily counting on native son Caron Butler to take the franchise to the next level.
The Bucks traded for Butler earlier this week and are on record in asserting they feel the veteran forward can be a stabilizing force for their young roster. After the failed Brandon Jennings/Monta Ellis experiment, team management is hoping the more easily coachable core of Larry Sanders, O.J. Mayo and Brandon Knight will pay huge dividends for the still rebuilding franchise this season.
Add to the mix the poise and still explosiveness of Butler and the recently free agent signed O.J. Mayo and, well, you can sense why the Bucks are hopeful the rebuilding process might not be as lengthy as they originally feared.
"I talked to coach Larry Drew and John Hammond (Bucks general manager), and we talked about my role on and off the court," Butler told ProBasketballTalk.com."They will ask even more of me, and I embrace that challenge, being a leader and a mentor. And I'll be in my own town doing it. I didn't think it would ever happen, that this dream I had many years ago could become a reality. That's funny."
Butler, who grew up in nearby Racine, averaged 10.4 points and 2.9 rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Over 11 NBA seasons, he's averaged 15.5 points and 5.4 assists, including a career best year of 21 points and 7 rebounds in 2008-09 with the Washington Wizards.
"The Bucks had made inquiries about me, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for me and my family," Butler told ProBasketballTalk. "My son, Caron Jr., will be in eighth grade this year in Racine. I'm good for whatever is needed. I'm definitely in great shape and I can't wait for the season to start.."
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