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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Milwaukee Bucks

Professional basketball team based in Milwaukee.
Professional basketball team based in Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Bucks, founded in 1968, play in the NBA's Central Division. They have won two league championships and featured legendary players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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1921
Establishment of Professional Basketball in Milwaukee

Professional basketball in Milwaukee was established in 1921, marking the beginning of the city's basketball history.

1951
Milwaukee Hawks

The Tri-City Blackhawks relocated to Milwaukee in 1951 and became the Milwaukee Hawks, marking the city's first NBA team. This event was significant in the history of professional basketball in Milwaukee.

1967
Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They were established in 1967 as an expansion team.

1968
Milwaukee Bucks Establishment

The Milwaukee Bucks were established as an expansion team in the NBA in 1968.

1968-01-22
Milwaukee Bucks Expansion

On January 22, 1968, Milwaukee was awarded an NBA expansion franchise, leading to the birth of the Bucks. The team was named after the state's official animal, the white-tailed deer, in a contest that attracted nearly 50,000 entries.

1968-06-06
NBA Team Founding - Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks joined the NBA in 1968 and have had success, including winning the NBA championship in 1971.

1969-07-01
Bucks draft Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

On July 1, 1969, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players in history.

1971-04-30
Milwaukee Bucks win their first NBA title

On April 30, 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved their first and only NBA championship victory.

1972
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Western Conference Finals

In the 1971-72 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks reached the Western Conference Finals but unfortunately lost. The team was led by head coach Larry Costello and star player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1973
Milwaukee Bucks Lost in Western Conference Semifinals

In the 1972-73 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a successful record of 60-22 but unfortunately lost in the Western Conference Semifinals. The team was coached by Larry Costello and led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1974
Milwaukee Bucks First NBA Finals

In 1974, the Milwaukee Bucks reached their first NBA Finals, setting the stage for their future championship victory in 2021.

1975-06-16
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Traded to Lakers

After expressing his desire to play in a larger market, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded from the Bucks to the Lakers on June 16, 1975. This trade marked the end of an era for the Bucks and triggered changes in the team's ownership.

1976-11-01
The Jim Fitzgerald Era begins

On November 1, 1976, the Jim Fitzgerald Era commenced, marking a significant period in Milwaukee Bucks history.

1977-10-18
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar punches Kent Benson during a game

On October 18, 1977, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, playing for the Lakers, punched Kent Benson during a game, resulting in Abdul-Jabbar breaking his hand. This incident led to consequences for both players and affected the Bucks' roster.

1978
Bucking the Odds: The Birth of the Milwaukee Bucks

A book titled 'Bucking the Odds: The Birth of the Milwaukee Bucks' was published by Marv Fishman and Tracy Dodds in 1978.

1979
Sidney Moncrief's debut for Milwaukee Bucks

In 1979, Sidney Moncrief made his on-court debut for the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the beginning of a successful era with consistent playoff appearances throughout the 1980s.

1980
Milwaukee Bucks trade Kent Benson for Bob Lanier

In 1980, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Kent Benson to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for veteran center Bob Lanier. This trade was significant as it aimed to fill the gap left by Abdul-Jabbar's departure.

1981
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals

In the 1980-81 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a strong performance with a record of 60-22. However, they were defeated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

1982
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals

In the 1981-1982 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a record of 55-27 and made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were defeated. The team was led by head coach Don Nelson and key player Sidney Moncrief.

1983
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Eastern Conference Finals

In the 1982-83 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks were defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team, led by head coach Don Nelson and star player Sidney Moncrief, finished with a record of 51-31.

1984
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Eastern Conference Finals

In the 1983-84 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks were defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals. The team had a successful season but fell short of making it to the NBA Finals.

1985-03-01
Herb Kohl purchases the Milwaukee Bucks

On March 1, 1985, Herb Kohl acquired the Milwaukee Bucks.

1986-10-01
BMO Harris Bradley Center concept

On October 1, 1986, the concept for the BMO Harris Bradley Center was introduced.

1987
Milwaukee Bucks Season 1986-87

The Milwaukee Bucks had a successful season in 1986-87, finishing with a record of 50-32 and securing the 3rd position in the Eastern Conference. They made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were defeated.

1988
Milwaukee Bucks move to BMO Harris Bradley Center

In 1988, the Milwaukee Bucks relocated their home games from the Milwaukee Arena to the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

1989
Milwaukee Bucks Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals

In 1989, the Milwaukee Bucks lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The team's performance led them to be eliminated at this stage of the NBA playoffs.

1993
Milwaukee Bucks Logo and Uniform Overhaul

After the franchise's 25th anniversary in 1993, the Milwaukee Bucks revamped their logo and uniforms, changing colors to green, purple, and silver. The new logo featured a more realistic deer design, and the team adopted purple road uniforms.

1997
Milwaukee Bucks Trades in 1997

In 1997, the Milwaukee Bucks made significant trades, sending Vin Baker to the Seattle SuperSonics and acquiring players like Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill. The team also revamped its roster by trading for Ervin Johnson.

1998
Dirk Nowitzki Trade

In the 1998 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Dirk Nowitzki, the ninth overall pick, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Robert Traylor. This trade is often considered one of the most lopsided in NBA history, as Nowitzki went on to have a highly successful career with the Mavericks.

1999
Milwaukee Bucks Lost in the First Round of the Eastern Conference

In the 1998-99 season, the Milwaukee Bucks were defeated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

2000-01
Milwaukee Bucks Season Record

In the 2000-01 season, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved a record of 52-30, with a win percentage of .634. They secured the 2nd position in their conference.

2001-06-04
2001 Playoffs

On June 4, 2001, significant games took place during the 2001 NBA Playoffs.

2002-03
Milwaukee Bucks NBA Season

During the 2002-03 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a record of 42-40, finishing 4th out of 8 teams in their division. They lost in the Eastern Conference 1st Round. George Karl was the head coach with Sam Cassell being a key player.

2003-04
Milwaukee Bucks NBA Season

During the 2003-04 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a record of 41-41, finishing 4th out of 8 teams in their division. They had a shooting percentage of 42.9% and averaged 106.5 points per game. The team lost in the Eastern Conference 1st Round.

2004-05
Milwaukee Bucks Season

The Milwaukee Bucks had a season in 2004-05 where they achieved a record of 30 wins and 52 losses. The team was led by players like T. Porter and M. Redd.

2005-06
Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Season 2005-06

The Milwaukee Bucks had a record of 40-42 in the 2005-06 NBA season. They finished 5th out of 5 in their division. The team lost in the Eastern Conference 1st Round.

2006-07
Uniform Change in 2006–07 Season

For the 2006–07 season, the Milwaukee Bucks changed their uniforms, introducing a white home uniform with hunter green stripes and green numbers with a red outline. The road uniforms included a hunter green primary design and a red secondary design resembling the 1968–73 uniforms.

2007-08
Milwaukee Bucks Season Record

The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing season in 2007-08, finishing with a record of 26-56 under the coaching of L. Krystkowiak. The team was led by M. Redd who averaged 5.8 points per game.

2008-06-26
Acquisition of Richard Jefferson and selection of Joe Alexander

On June 26, 2008, the Bucks traded for Richard Jefferson from the New Jersey Nets and drafted Joe Alexander. This marked the entry of the first Taiwanese-born player, Joe Alexander, into the NBA.

2009-02
Bango's Injury at 2009 All-Star Weekend

During the 2009 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, Bango, the Milwaukee Bucks mascot, suffered an injury while performing a skit. He slipped through the hoop, fell on the rim, and tore his ACL, leading to him being in a wheelchair for the rest of the 2008-09 season.

2009-04
Bango's Back-Flip Dunk in 2009 Playoffs

In game four of the 2009-10 first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks, Bango successfully performed a back-flip dunk from a 16-foot ladder, showcasing his impressive skills as a mascot.

2009-10
Milwaukee Bucks 2009-10 Season

The Milwaukee Bucks had a 46-36 record with a winning percentage of .561 during the 2009-10 NBA season. They finished 6th in the Eastern Conference and had a 3-4 record in the playoffs.

2010-04-06
Milwaukee Bucks clinch playoff berth

On April 6, 2010, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a spot in the playoffs with a victory over the Chicago Bulls, defying low expectations at the start of the season.

2011-12
Milwaukee Bucks Season

During the 2011-12 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks had a record of 31-35, finishing 3rd out of 5 in their division. The team had a challenging season with a few key players making notable contributions.

2012-03-13
Milwaukee Bucks trade Bogut and Jackson to Golden State Warriors

48 hours before the trade deadline on March 13, 2012, the Bucks traded Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown.

2012-05-21
Renaming of Bradley Center to BMO Harris Bradley Center

On May 21, 2012, the naming rights of the Bradley Center were sold to BMO Harris Bank, leading to the arena being renamed the 'BMO Harris Bradley Center' after approval from the Bradley family heirs.

2013-06-27
Milwaukee Bucks draft Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

2014-04-16
Wes Edens and Marc Lasry purchase majority interest in Milwaukee Bucks

On April 16, 2014, a group led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry agreed to purchase a majority interest in the Milwaukee Bucks from former owner Herb Kohl. This marked a significant change in ownership for the team.

2014-05-16
NBA approves sale of Milwaukee Bucks to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry

On May 16, 2014, the sale of the Milwaukee Bucks to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry was approved by the owners of the NBA and its Board of Governors. This finalized the ownership transition for the team.

2014-05-17
New Milwaukee Bucks Owners Thank Fans

An article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dated May 17, 2014, where the new owners of the Milwaukee Bucks express gratitude to the fans and the city.

2014-07-01
Milwaukee Bucks acquire Jason Kidd as head coach

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Jason Kidd as head coach from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for draft picks, leading to the firing of coach Larry Drew.

2014-12-26
Milwaukee Bucks match previous season's win total

The Milwaukee Bucks matched their previous season's win total just 30 games into the 2014–15 season by defeating the Atlanta Hawks.

2015-01-25
NBA passes 'Jay-Z Rule'

The NBA passed a rule known as the 'Jay-Z Rule' on January 25, which limited ownership groups to no more than 25 individuals and required no ownership interest to be smaller than 1%.

2015-02-11
Milwaukee Bucks reach 30 wins before All-Star Break

The Milwaukee Bucks achieved their 30th win of the season by beating the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first NBA team to double their win total from the previous season before the All-Star Break.

2015-02-19
Milwaukee Bucks trade Brandon Knight to Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks traded Brandon Knight to the Phoenix Suns as part of a 3-way deal, receiving Michael Carter-Williams, Miles Plumlee, and Tyler Ennis in return.

2015-04-30
Team History Entry

An entry detailing the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, first posted on April 30, 2015, and updated on July 20, 2021.

2015-06-06
Milwaukee Bucks Unveil New Home and Road Uniforms

On June 6, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks revealed their new home and road uniforms for the 2015–16 season. The uniforms featured a color block pattern called the 'Cream City Rainbow' and paid homage to past designs like the 'Irish Rainbow' from the 1980s.

2015-07-06
Bucks Arena Funding Concerns

On July 6, 2015, Bucks president Peter Feigin expressed concerns about public funding for a new arena, mentioning the possibility of the NBA buying and relocating the team if funding fell through.

2015-07-09
Bucks Sign Greg Monroe and Re-sign Khris Middleton

The Bucks signed center Greg Monroe to a three-year, $50 million contract and re-signed Khris Middleton to a five-year, $70 million contract on July 9, 2015.

2015-07-15
Wisconsin Senate Approves Funding for Bucks' Arena

On July 15, 2015, the Wisconsin State Senate voted in favor of using public money to help finance a new arena for the Bucks, securing the team's future in Milwaukee.

2015-07-16
Milwaukee Bucks Ownership Group

As of July 16, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks ownership group included prominent individuals such as Jamie Dinan, Wes Edens, Giacamo Falluca, Michael D. Fascitelli, and others.

2016-06-08
Famous Firsts Entry

An entry about the notable first achievements in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, originally posted on June 8, 2016, and revised on July 20, 2021.

2016-06-18
Groundbreaking for Bucks' New Arena

On June 18, 2016, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Milwaukee Bucks' new arena, marking a significant milestone in the team's future.

2016-09-19
Giannis Antetokounmpo Signs Contract Extension with Bucks

On September 19, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to a 4-year, $100 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. This marked a significant investment in the young player's future with the team.

2017-02-08
Khris Middleton's Return and Jabari Parker's Injury

On February 8, 2017, Khris Middleton made his return to the Bucks lineup, boosting the team's performance. However, in the same game, Jabari Parker tore his ACL for the second time in 3 seasons, leading to a significant loss for the team.

2017-04-08
Bucks Clinch Playoff Spot

On April 8, 2017, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a spot in the playoffs by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 90-82. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the team in the 2016-17 season.

2017-04-10
Bucks Achieve Winning Season

On April 10, 2017, the Milwaukee Bucks secured their third winning season since 2001 by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 89-79. This accomplishment reflected the team's improvement and competitiveness.

2017-05-17
New Era

On May 17, 2017, the Milwaukee Bucks entered a new era.

2017-05-23
John Hammond Steps Down as Bucks General Manager

On May 23, 2017, John Hammond resigned as the general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks to join the Orlando Magic. Hammond's departure marked a change in the Bucks' front office leadership.

2018-01-22
Jason Kidd Fired as Bucks Head Coach

On January 22, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks dismissed Jason Kidd from his position as head coach due to the team's performance. This decision marked a significant change in coaching leadership for the Bucks.

2018-05-17
Mike Budenholzer Becomes Bucks Head Coach

On May 17, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks appointed Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. Budenholzer's hiring signaled a new era for the team under his leadership.

2018-08-26
Fiserv Forum Opens

On August 26, 2018, the Fiserv Forum, the new arena of the Milwaukee Bucks, was opened to the public. This state-of-the-art facility provided a modern home for the team and enhanced the fan experience.

2019-04-22
Bucks' First Playoff Series Win Since 2001

On April 22, 2019, the Bucks swept the Detroit Pistons for their first playoff series win since 2001.

2019-05-08
Bucks Reach Conference Finals in 2019

On May 8, 2019, the Bucks eliminated the Boston Celtics in five games to reach their first Conference Finals since 2001.

2020-08-26
Bucks Boycott Playoff Game in 2020

On August 26, 2020, the Bucks' players refused to play in their playoff matchup against the Orlando Magic following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police.

2021-07-20
Giannis Antetokounmpo named NBA Finals MVP

Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the NBA Finals MVP after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to victory over the Phoenix Suns. He averaged impressive stats throughout the series, including a 50-point performance in Game 6.

2022-01-22
Pride Night at Fiserv Forum

Since 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks have hosted Pride Night at Fiserv Forum to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The annual event, held on January 22, 2022, marked the 5th time of honoring inclusivity and diversity.

2022-04-23
Key Bucks Players to Watch vs. Pacers in NBA Playoffs | Game 2

The Milwaukee Bucks will be facing off against the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs. Keep an eye on key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo to see how they perform.

2023-04-17
Bucks' First-Round Playoffs Schedule vs. Pacers

Detailed schedule of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers is provided in this article.

2023-04-19
Milwaukee Bucks' Playoff Return

The Milwaukee Bucks are making a playoff return, and fans can find all the essential information about it in this article.

2023-05-04
Mike Budenholzer fired as Bucks head coach

After the Milwaukee Bucks lost in the playoffs, the team announced the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer on May 4, 2023.

2023-06-05
Adrian Griffin becomes Bucks head coach

Former Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin was appointed as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on June 5, 2023.

2023-09-27
Damian Lillard joins the Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired seven-time all-star point guard Damian Lillard in a 3-team trade on September 27, 2023.

2024-01-26
Doc Rivers becomes Bucks head coach

After the firing of Adrian Griffin, the Milwaukee Bucks named Doc Rivers as their new head coach on January 26, 2024.

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