Terry Stotts, like any coach who has coached the Grizzlies, Hawks and Clippers, begins his real coaching career this year and is doing a great job. Magloire and Simmons joined at the start, as well as returning rookie Andrew Bogut and TJ Ford. The new additions have given Milwaukee new life in the playoffs.

The 11-7 Bucks have a good rotation of big men. Andrew Bogut has performed well enough to earn the spot over Joe Smith. Magloire has given them a strong rebounding intensity. That’s why the Bucks lead the NBA in rebounding. Bobby Simmons is very indifferent; he doesn’t get a lot of plays for him, but he takes an outside shot or dunks it when he has to.

Milwaukee leads the NBA in 3P%. Michael Redd is doing a very good job leading the team. TJ Ford isn’t necessarily a true PG, but he is an exceptional marksman. Add that with his great speed and you have a very productive point guard. Playing time has obviously decreased for Maurice Williams, but that hasn’t stopped him. Williams has already hit two game winners this year.

The problem of a young team like this is the defense. Forgoing 99.7 PPG, they are 26th in the NBA in Points allowed. Aside from the Cavaliers (who they played yesterday) they’re the worst at defending 3-pointers. At times he is a committee scorer for Milwaukee. Redd, Williams, Ford and Simmons alternate as team leaders, so consistency is an issue. And while Magloire and Bogut help on the glass, they don’t add many points on the scoreboard.

The division they’re in with Cleveland, Indiana and Detroit will be tough to topple. Considering the seed they’d be if the postseason started today would be low, they don’t have a great chance of success this year. But nonetheless, they are heading in the right direction.