Salmons' calming intensity helps Bucks

Washington — John Salmons is a quiet guy.

That's one of the first things you notice about the unassuming pro the Milwaukee Bucks acquired at the trade deadline about two weeks ago.

But don't mistake Salmons' demeanor for being unconcerned. In the words of Bucks coach Scott Skiles, "unflappable" is the more appropriate term.

"He's a steady influence," Skiles said. "He's pretty much the same every day. You don't get the sense in a big game or a not-so-big game that he's going to ride the emotional roller coaster up and down.

"He's not going to get rattled out there."

Bucks fans got an look at Salmons' calming influence in his first game with the team. After a turnover in the final minutes had put a Milwaukee victory in jeopardy, Salmons rose up over Detroit's Ben Wallace and stuck a three-pointer with the shot clock running down.

"He's unflappable, I guess is the word that comes to mind," Skiles said. "It doesn't mean he's going to have a great game every night. But if he doesn't, you're going to come back and see the same guy. There's maturity in that.

"Yet at the same time, you can see the passion for the game when he plays."

Bucks general manager John Hammond knew the team desperately needed help in the backcourt after the season-ending injury suffered by Michael Redd. But Hammond didn't want to take on a contract that would set back the progress he has made in gaining some control over the Bucks' payroll and roster in the past year.

Enter Salmons and the Chicago Bulls, who were seeking to clear salary space to go after an elite free agent this summer. The 6-foot-6 Salmons almost perfectly fit the Bucks' need for a reliable scorer at shooting guard and someone to complement rookie point guard Brandon Jennings.

And Salmons' $5.8 million player option for next season was something the Bucks could handle.

The 30-year-old Salmons is relishing another playoff drive after helping the Bulls reach the postseason a year ago, then playing a key role as Chicago nearly upset Boston in a first-round series.

"I think it takes focus every night," Salmons said of reaching the playoff goal. "You can't let games get away from you. Games you should win on paper, you've got to win those games.

"Since I've been here, you can definitely tell the coaches have the players' attention. I think the coaching staff sets the tone for our focus. I think it should be like that."

Salmons has done his part, leading the Bucks to a 7-1 record since joining the team. And he scored 32 points in the only loss during this stretch, a 106-102 overtime defeat at Atlanta on Sunday.

He is averaging 20.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while playing 36 minutes per game for Milwaukee.

"We have a solid three options now to score the basketball," said Bucks center Andrew Bogut. "The ball obviously goes inside; and Brandon plays well off the pick-and-roll. We can isolate Salmons as one of our better options. It definitely helps us."

Salmons is not strictly a jump shooter but has a great ability to go to the basket and score or draw contact. He is a three-point threat.

"He's very crafty," Bogut said. "He can shoot the ball so well, but he doesn't always settle for the jumper, which is very important for us. Sometimes we struggle to get to the line, and he does a great job of that."

Salmons has connected on 41 of 47 free throw attempts (87.2%) with the Bucks and is averaging nearly six foul shots each game.

"He's been able to fit in without a lot of hassle," Skiles said. "He's scoring 20 points a game without having a great idea of everything we want."
Salmons went through only his second practice session with the Bucks on Thursday before the team traveled to Washington for a rematch. He had 22 points Wednesday as the Bucks prevailed, 100-87, over the Wizards.

"I didn't really know what to expect," Salmons said after coming to Milwaukee in a deal that sent Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander to the Bulls. "I was just trying to fit in and trying to help the team as best I possibly could.

"My teammates still, if I don't know the play, they hurry up and tell me where to go on the court. The coaching staff has been patient and helping me out."

Salmons has a knack for knowing when to take his shots and when to facilitate others.

"He's not out there taking a bunch of wild shots," Skiles said. "He's under control, which is a lot like his personality."

One bonus for Salmons is getting to play with veteran Jerry Stackhouse, a player Salmons once idolized while growing up in Philadelphia. Stackhouse began his NBA career with the 76ers but had moved on by the time Salmons started his pro career with Philadelphia during the 2002-'03 season.

"Stackhouse is one of those guys I looked up to," Salmons said. "When I first got here, it didn't hit me until the first game, sitting in the locker room. I was like, 'That's Jerry Stackhouse right there.'

"It's great to have a vet on your team like that and somebody who has been through everything, pretty much. He got drafted in Philly, so I saw him play a lot his first year. I went to his first game against Michael Jordan. I remember that like it was yesterday."

Salmons and Stackhouse have played well together and given the Bucks a wing presence. The two have added experience to help the 25-year-old Bogut, 20-year-old Jennings and young players such as Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Ersan Ilyasova.

"It's definitely a good mix between veterans and young guys," Salmons said. "The young guys definitely are moving in the right direction."
Ask Salmons about his ability to handle late-game situations, and he has a short but honest assessment.

"I've just got to say it's God, and we'll leave it at that," Salmons said.



(jsonline.com)