Insider Special: Camp Battles ~ Bucks

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Porter faces tough decision at shooting guard

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Wednesday, October 8

Updated: October 8

7:10 AM ET

The Bucks had a major jam at point guard at the end of last season. Now the gridlock looks like it will be at shooting guard, where the Bucks' two most talented players -- Michael Redd and Desmond Mason -- just so happen to play the same position.

Coach Terry Porter isn't hinting at who will be the starter and cautioned not to read too much into his decision to start Mason on Monday night. Next game, Porter promised, Redd wil get his chance.

Milwaukee Bucks

Shooting Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Michael Redd 3 6-6 15.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg in 28.2 mpg Redd gets the edge because of his perimeter shooting. Over the past two seasons, he's become one of the top five shooters in the league. Given the team's lack of shooters in the backcourt, it will need Redd to stretch the defense.

2. Desmond Mason 3 6-5 14.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg in 34.5 mpg Mason is the team's best athlete and a top-notch defender. But his energy off the bench is just as important. He'll also get minutes at the three backing up Tim Thomas.

Center Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Daniel Santiago 2 7-1 -- Santiago was the team's best low-post offensive option in the Bucks' opener versus the Grizzlies. He has soft hands, a nice baby hook and most importantly, NBA size.

2. Dan Gadzuric 1 6-11 3.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg in 15.5 mpg Started his rookie season hot, then faded big time at the end. He's runs the floor well, is athletic and good defender. Don't be shocked if he steals minutes from Przybilla.

3. Joel Przybilla 4 7-1 1.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg in 17.1 mpg No offense. No defense. No clue.

Power Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Joe Smith 8 6-10 7.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg in 20.7 mpg Will a change of scenery do him good. Smith played with a passion rarely seen in the first preseason game. We all know he has the talent. Will being asked to lead a young team be the thing that awakens him from the dead?

2. Marcus Haislip 1 6-10 4.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg in 11.3 mpg Haislip's another incredible athlete who just needs more experience. He runs the floor, attacks the basket and has a pretty nice perimeter shot. If Smith continues to underachieve, Haislip has the talent to take the position.

3. Brian Skinner 5 6-9 6.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg in 17.9 mpg Coach Porter loves this blue collar rebounder. He started the first exhibition game, will he still have the position by the end of the season?

4. Jason Caffey 8 6-8 5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg in 17.5 mpg Bucks should have shown him the door at the same time they kicked Anthony Mason to the curb.

Small Forward Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. Tim Thomas 6 6-10 13.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg in 29.5 mpg Has underachieved every season. Now that he's out of the shadows of Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell, will Thomas finally be the big dog in Milwaukee?

2. Toni Kukoc 10 6-11 11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg in 27.0 mpg Was the team's most important player last season, but how much longer will he last, especially if the Bucks stink?

Point Guard Exp Ht '02-03 Stats Notes

1. T. J. Ford R 5-10 -- Coach Porter said he's still unsure whether Ford will be the opening night starter, but after Ford's strong play against the Grizzlies, it's hard to argue that the Bucks have a better option. His ability to push the ball and see the floor will be more effective if he can convince his teammates to run the floor with him.

2. Erick Strickland 6 6-3 6.5 ppg, 2.0 apg in 18.0 mpg He's a hard worker but he's not a starter.

3. Damon Jones 5 6-3 4.6 ppg, 1.6 apg in 14.5 ppg More of a scorer than a point guard.