They say, "you can't go home again," and while in most cases that is true, the case of Michael Redd is different: I think a return to Milwaukee might be perfect.
Redd was originally a second-round pick of the Bucks back in 2000. During his 11 seasons in Milwaukee, he went from being a back up to Ray Allen to become the face of the franchise.
He was an All-Star in 2004 and had five straight seasons of averaging over 20 points per game. Sadly, injuries derailed his career, forcing him to miss 185 games over his final three seasons.
Redd eventually signed with Phoenix last season and played in 51 of their 66 games. The games he missed were mostly due to coaching decisions and not joining the team until after the season started.
So why would the Bucks want to bring back their former star?
One reason would simply be to bring back one of the greatest players in franchise history. Secondly, at 6'6", Redd would be the tallest guard on the roster.
Normally height wouldn't be a big issue, but none of the Bucks four guards are taller than 6'4".
Thirdly and most importantly, the Bucks lack an experienced backup shooting guard. Currently, rookie Doron Lamb would be the backup for starter Monta Ellis.
Finally, I couldn't think of a better player to mentor Lamb as he starts his NBA career because a lot of similarities can be drawn between Redd and Lamb.
Both guys were drafted in the second round and almost were picked in the exact same slot: Lamb was drafted 42nd, while Redd was drafted 43rd.
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Both also had successful college careers, playing for big-time programs. Redd helped lead Ohio St. to the Final Four, while Lamb just helped Kentucky win the National Championship.
If you doubt that Redd is still capable, all you have to do is look at his April numbers from last season. He played in all 15 games and averaged 11.4 points in 18.3 minutes a game.
That is exactly the type of production and punch the Bucks are currently lacking from their bench. Just imagine a second unit of Redd, Drew Gooden, Mike Dunleavy and Beno Udrih.
Adding Redd would just make an already deep team that much deeper. Plus since he is still a free agent, he would probably be willing to sign for the veteran minimum like he did in Phoenix last season.
There is a good chance that someday we might be seeing Redd's No. 22 hanging from the rafters in Milwaukee, but before that happens I think it would be best for both sides if we saw it back on the court first.
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