The 1996–97 NBA season was the Bucks' 29th season in the National Basketball Association .[ 1] In the 1996 NBA draft , the Bucks selected point guard Stephon Marbury out of Georgia Tech with the fourth overall pick, but soon traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for top draft pick shooting guard Ray Allen from the University of Connecticut .[ 2] [ 3] [ 4] [ 5] [ 6] In the off-season, the team signed free agent Armen Gilliam ,[ 7] [ 8] [ 9] acquired Andrew Lang from the Timberwolves,[ 10] and acquired Elliot Perry from the Phoenix Suns .[ 11] [ 12] [ 13]
Under new head coach Chris Ford ,[ 14] [ 15] along with the new trio of Allen, Vin Baker and Glenn Robinson , the Bucks appeared to be on their way breaking out of the gate with a 15–11 start. However, they could not maintain that momentum as they slipped under .500, holding a 21–26 record at the All-Star break.[ 16] At midseason, the team traded second-year guard Shawn Respert to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Acie Earl .[ 17] [ 18] [ 19] The Bucks lost eight straight games between February and March, missing the playoffs again by finishing seventh in the Central Division with a 33–49 record.[ 20]
Baker averaged 21.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game ,[ 21] [ 22] [ 23] [ 24] while Robinson averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, and Allen provided the team with 13.4 points per game, and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In addition, Sherman Douglas contributed 9.7 points and 5.4 assists per game, while Johnny Newman provided with 8.7 points per game off the bench, Gilliam averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, Perry contributed 6.9 points, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game off the bench, and Lang averaged 5.3 points and rebounds per game each,[ 25] but only played 52 games due to an Achilles injury.[ 26] [ 27]
Following the season, Baker was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in an off-season three-team trade,[ 28] [ 29] [ 30] [ 31] [ 32] while Newman was dealt to the Denver Nuggets ,[ 33] [ 34] [ 35] Douglas, who was involved in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers , signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets ,[ 36] [ 37] and Earl was released to free agency.
1996–97 Milwaukee Bucks roster
Players
Coaches
Pos.
No.
Name
Height
Weight
DOB
From
G
34
Allen, Ray
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
1975–07–20
Connecticut
F
42
Baker, Vin
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
232 lb (105 kg)
1971–11–23
Hartford
F
52
Brown, Chucky
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
214 lb (97 kg)
1968–02–29
NC State
G
20
Douglas, Sherman
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
1966–09–15
Syracuse
C
55
Earl, Acie
6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
1970–06–23
Iowa
F
10
Gilliam, Armen
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
1964–05–28
UNLV
C
28
Lang, Andrew
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
1966–06–28
Arkansas
G
21
Martin, Cuonzo
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
213 lb (97 kg)
1971–09–23
Purdue
G
22
Newman, Johnny
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
1963–11–28
Richmond
G
5
Perry, Elliot
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
150 lb (68 kg)
1969–03–28
Memphis
F
13
Robinson, Glenn
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
1973–01–10
Purdue
C
51
Tower, Keith
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
250 lb (113 kg)
1970–05–15
Notre Dame
C
23
Wolf, Joe
6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
1964–12–17
North Carolina
F
7
Wood, David
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
227 lb (103 kg)
1964–11–30
Nevada
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
(DP) Unsigned draft pick(FA) Free agent(S) Suspended Injured
Roster
z - clinched division title
y - clinched division title
x - clinched playoff spot
Record vs. opponents
edit
1996-97 NBA Records
Team
ATL
BOS
CHA
CHI
CLE
DAL
DEN
DET
GSW
HOU
IND
LAC
LAL
MIA
MIL
MIN
NJN
NYK
ORL
PHI
PHO
POR
SAC
SAS
SEA
TOR
UTA
VAN
WAS
Atlanta
–
3–1
1–3
1–3
3–1
2–0
1–1
1–3
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
1–1
1–2
4–0
2–0
3–1
1–3
3–1
4–0
1–1
2–0
2–0
2–0
1–1
4–0
1–1
2–0
2–1
Boston
1–3
–
0–4
0–4
1–2
1–1
1–1
0–4
1–1
0–2
1–2
0–2
1–1
0–4
1–3
0–2
0–4
0–4
0–4
1–3
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–1
0–2
3–1
0–2
0–2
0–4
Charlotte
3–1
4–0
–
0–4
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–2
2–0
2–0
2–2
1–1
1–1
1–2
2–2
2–0
4–0
3–1
1–2
4–0
1–1
0–2
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–2
0–2
2–0
3–1
Chicago
3–1
4–0
4–0
–
3–1
2–0
2–0
3–1
2–0
1–1
4–0
2–0
1–1
2–2
4–0
2–0
3–1
2–2
3–0
4–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
2–0
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–1
Cleveland
1–3
2–1
1–3
1–3
–
2–0
1–1
2–2
1–1
0–2
3–1
2–0
1–1
0–4
2–2
2–0
4–0
1–3
2–2
3–0
1–1
1–1
2–0
0–2
0–2
3–1
1–1
2–0
1–3
Dallas
0–2
1–1
1–1
0–2
0–2
–
3–1
0–2
0–4
0–4
1–1
2–2
0–4
0–2
0–2
1–3
1–1
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–3
1–3
2–2
1–3
1–3
0–2
1–3
3–1
0–2
Denver
1–1
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–1
1–3
–
0–2
1–3
1–3
0–2
1–3
0–4
0–2
1–1
0–4
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–1
2–2
0–4
2–2
2–2
0–4
1–1
0–4
3–1
1–1
Detroit
3–1
4–0
2–2
1–3
2–2
2–0
2–0
–
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
1–1
0–4
3–1
2–0
4–0
1–2
2–2
2–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
1–1
3–1
1–1
2–0
4–0
Golden State
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–1
4–0
3–1
0–2
–
0–4
1–1
1–3
0–4
0–2
1–1
1–3
2–0
0–2
1–1
2–0
0–4
2–2
1–3
4–0
0–4
2–0
0–4
3–1
0–2
Houston
1–1
2–0
0–2
1–1
2–0
4–0
3–1
1–1
4–0
–
1–1
3–1
3–1
0–2
1–1
4–0
2–0
1–1
0–2
2–0
2–2
2–2
4–0
3–1
3–1
1–1
2–2
3–1
2–0
Indiana
1–3
2–1
2–2
0–4
1–3
1–1
2–0
1–3
1–1
1–1
–
2–0
1–1
1–3
2–2
2–0
2–2
1–3
1–3
3–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
0–2
2–0
1–3
L.A. Clippers
0–2
2–0
1–1
0–2
0–2
2–2
3–1
0–2
3–1
1–3
0–2
–
2–2
0–2
2–0
1–3
1–1
0–2
1–1
1–1
2–2
0–4
2–2
4–0
1–3
2–0
1–3
4–0
0–2
L.A. Lakers
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
4–0
1–1
4–0
1–3
1–1
2–2
–
1–1
2–0
3–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
2–0
4–0
1–3
4–0
2–2
3–1
1–1
1–3
4–0
2–0
Miami
2–1
4–0
2–1
2–2
4–0
2–0
2–0
4–0
2–0
2–0
3–1
2–0
1–1
–
4–0
1–1
3–1
1–3
2–2
3–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
2–0
0–2
3–1
0–2
2–0
3–1
Milwaukee
0–4
3–1
2–2
0–4
2–2
2–0
1–1
1–3
1–1
1–1
2–2
0–2
0–2
0–4
–
0–2
2–1
1–2
2–2
3–1
1–1
0–2
0–2
1–1
1–1
3–1
1–1
2–0
1–3
Minnesota
0–2
2–0
0–2
0–2
0–2
3–1
4–0
0–2
3–1
0–4
0–2
3–1
1–3
1–1
2–0
–
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
3–1
2–2
0–4
4–0
0–4
1–1
1–3
4–0
1–1
New Jersey
1–3
4–0
0–4
1–3
0–4
1–1
1–1
0–4
0–2
0–2
2–2
1–1
0–2
1–3
1–2
0–2
–
2–2
1–3
2–2
1–1
0–2
1–1
2–0
1–1
0–3
0–2
2–0
1–3
New York
3–1
4–0
1–3
2–2
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–1
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–1
1–1
2–2
–
3–1
3–2
1–1
1–1
2–0
2–0
0–2
3–0
1–1
2–0
4–0
Orlando
1–3
4–0
2–1
0–3
2–2
1–1
2–0
2–2
1–1
2–0
3–1
1–1
1–1
2–2
2–2
1–1
3–1
1–3
–
2–2
1–1
2–0
1–1
1–1
1–1
4–0
0–2
1–1
1–3
Philadelphia
0–4
3–1
0–4
0–4
0–3
0–2
1–1
1–2
0–2
0–2
0–3
1–1
0–2
1–3
1–3
1–1
2–2
2–3
2–2
–
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–1
0–2
1–3
0–2
2–0
1–3
Phoenix
1–1
1–1
1–1
0–2
1–1
3–1
2–2
2–0
4–0
2–2
1–1
2–2
0–4
0–2
1–1
1–3
1–1
1–1
1–1
1–1
–
1–3
4–0
3–1
2–2
0–2
1–3
2–2
1–1
Portland
0–2
1–1
2–0
0–2
1–1
3–1
4–0
1–1
2–2
2–2
1–1
4–0
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–2
2–0
1–1
0–2
1–1
3–1
–
2–2
4–0
1–3
0–2
2–2
4–0
0–2
Sacramento
0–2
2–0
0–2
0–2
0–2
2–2
2–2
1–1
3–1
0–4
1–1
2–2
0–4
0–2
2–0
4–0
1–1
0–2
1–1
2–0
0–4
2–2
–
3–1
1–3
1–1
0–4
4–0
0–2
San Antonio
0–2
1–1
0–2
0–2
2–0
3–1
2–2
0–2
0–4
1–3
1–1
0–4
2–2
0–2
1–1
0–4
0–2
0–2
1–1
1–1
1–3
0–4
1–3
–
0–4
1–1
1–3
1–3
0–2
Seattle
1–1
2–0
0–2
0–2
2–0
3–1
4–0
1–1
4–0
1–3
1–1
3–1
1–3
2–0
1–1
4–0
1–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
2–2
3–1
3–1
4–0
–
2–0
1–3
4–0
2–0
Toronto
0–4
1–3
2–2
1–3
1–3
2–0
1–1
1–3
0–2
1–1
0–4
0–2
1–1
1–3
1–3
1–1
3–0
0–3
0–4
3–1
2–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
0–2
–
1–1
1–1
2–2
Utah
1–1
2–0
2–0
1–1
1–1
3–1
4–0
1–1
4–0
2–2
2–0
3–1
3–1
2–0
1–1
3–1
2–0
1–1
2–0
2–0
3–1
2–2
4–0
3–1
3–1
1–1
–
4–0
2–0
Vancouver
0–2
2–0
0–2
0–2
0–2
1–3
1–3
0–2
1–3
1–3
0–2
0–4
0–4
0–2
0–2
0–4
0–2
0–2
1–1
0–2
2–2
0–4
0–4
3–1
0–4
1–1
0–4
–
1–1
Washington
1–2
4–0
1–3
1–2
3–1
2–0
1–1
0–4
2–0
0–2
3–1
2–0
0–2
1–3
3–1
1–1
3–1
0–4
3–1
3–1
1–1
2–0
2–0
2–0
0–2
2–2
0–2
1–1
—
1996–97 game log Total: 33–49 (Home: 0–0; Road: 0–0)
November: 8–7 (home: 5–3; road: 3–4)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
1
November 1, 1996
@ Philadelphia
W 111–103
Vin Baker (25)
CoreStates Center 20,444
1–0
2
November 2, 1996
Boston
W 124–102
Johnny Newman , Glenn Robinson (21)
Bradley Center 17,275
2–0
3
November 6, 1996
Vancouver
W 105–89
Ray Allen , Vin Baker (20)
Vin Baker (11)
Sherman Douglas (8)
Bradley Center 13,689
3–0
4
November 8, 1996
@ Miami
L 89—101
Vin Baker (27)
Miami Arena 15,200
3–1
5
November 9, 1996
@ Charlotte
W 100—98
Vin Baker (28)
Charlotte Coliseum 24,042
4–1
6
November 12, 1996
Phoenix
W 99–89
Vin Baker (32)
Bradley Center 13,565
5–1
7
November 14, 1996
@ Golden State
L 86—95
Vin Baker (32)
San Jose Arena 14,414
5–2
8
November 15, 1996
@ Sacramento
L 99—103
Glenn Robinson (29)
ARCO Arena 17,317
5–3
9
November 17, 1996
@ L. A. Clippers
L 94—102
Glenn Robinson (31)
Armen Gilliam (13)
Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 7,311
5–4
10
November 19, 1996
Dallas
W 100–97
Armen Gilliam (27)
Bradley Center 13,225
6–4
11
November 21, 1996
Atlanta
L 65–73
Bradley Center 14,698
6–5
12
November 23, 1996
Washington
L 90–95
Bradley Center 16,508
6–6
13
November 25, 1996
@ Orlando
W 100–88
Orlando Arena 16,808
7–6
14
November 27, 1996
Cleveland
W 92–75
Bradley Center 14,189
8–6
15
November 30, 1996
Charlotte
L 87–94
Bradley Center 16,327
8–7
December: 4–2 (home: 3–2; road: 1–0)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
16
December 3, 1996
Chicago
L 104–107
Bradley Center 18,717
8–8
17
December 7, 1996
@ Washington
W 126–118
Glenn Robinson (44)
Vin Baker (13)
US Airways Arena 18,756
9–8
18
December 8, 1996
Boston
W 100–87
Bradley Center 13,350
10–8
19
December 10, 1996
Detroit
L 85–93
Bradley Center 13,202
10–9
20
December 12, 1996
Seattle
W 100–97
Glenn Robinson (32)
Bradley Center 16,355
11–9
21
December 14, 1996
New Jersey
W 101–91
Vin Baker , Glenn Robinson (27)
Bradley Center 16,689
12–9
22
December 16, 1996
@ Boston
W 107–91
Fleet Center 15,030
13–9
23
December 18, 1996
L. A. Lakers
W 107–91
Bradley Center 16,829
13–10
January: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
February: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
March: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
April: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location Attendance
Record
1996–97 schedule
Player
GP
GS
MPG
FG%
3FG%
FT%
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
PPG
Ray Allen
82
81
30.9
.430
.393
.823
4.0
2.6
0.9
0.1
13.4
Vin Baker
78
78
40.5
.505
.278
.687
10.3
2.7
1.0
1.4
21.0
Chucky Brown
60
1
11.2
.508
.167
.661
2.2
0.4
0.2
0.3
2.8
Jimmy Carruth
4
0
5.3
.667
.000
1.000
1.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
1.3
Sherman Douglas
79
79
29.3
.502
.333
.667
2.4
5.4
1.0
0.1
9.7
Acie Earl
9
0
4.8
.348
.000
.714
1.2
0.2
0.3
0.1
2.9
Armen Gilliam
80
25
25.6
.471
.000
.768
6.2
0.7
0.8
0.5
8.6
Darrin Hancock
9
0
4.3
.333
.000
.000
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.4
Andrew Lang
52
52
23.0
.464
.000
.721
5.3
0.5
0.5
0.9
5.3
Cuonzo Martin
3
0
4.3
.000
.000
.000
0.3
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
Johnny Newman
82
4
25.1
.450
.347
.765
2.3
1.4
0.9
0.2
8.7
Elliot Perry
82
3
19.5
.474
.358
.745
1.5
3.0
1.2
0.0
6.9
Shawn Respert
14
0
5.9
.316
.111
1.000
0.5
0.6
0.0
0.0
1.4
Glenn Robinson
80
79
38.9
.465
.350
.791
6.3
3.1
1.3
0.9
21.1
Keith Tower
5
1
14.4
.375
.000
.125
1.8
0.2
0.4
0.2
1.4
Joe Wolf
56
7
9.4
.449
.143
.737
2.0
0.4
0.3
0.2
1.7
David Wood
46
0
5.2
.526
.333
.667
0.6
0.3
0.2
0.1
1.2
[ 25]
Player Transactions Citation:[ 38]
^ 1996-97 Milwaukee Bucks
^ Brown, Clifton (June 27, 1996). "PRO BASKETBALL; Big Trade and Some Twists in N.B.A. Youth Parade" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 12, 2022 .
^ Heisler, Mark (June 27, 1996). "The Surprises Are Few" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved December 1, 2022 .
^ Cotton, Anthony (June 27, 1996). "For 76ers, Iverson Is No. 1 Choice" . The Washington Post . Retrieved July 25, 2021 .
^ Bembry, Jerry (June 27, 1996). "76ers Make Iverson the 1, Philadelphia Takes Georgetown Guard; Camby Goes Second" . The Baltimore Sun . Retrieved June 2, 2023 .
^ "1996 NBA Draft" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 1, 2022 .
^ "Bucks Sign Gilliam" . The New York Times . August 7, 1996. Retrieved January 1, 2022 .
^ "Bucks Pick Up Free Agent Gilliam" . Los Angeles Times . Staff and Wire Reports. August 7, 1996. Retrieved September 24, 2022 .
^ "Bucks Sign Gilliam to 4-Year Deal" . The Washington Post . August 7, 1996. Retrieved January 13, 2023 .
^ "Bucks Acquire Andrew Lang from Timberwolves" . Associated Press . July 11, 1996. Retrieved June 29, 2022 .
^ Herald, Miami (August 12, 1996). "Heat Turns Its Attention to Barkley, But Once Again, NBA May Step in Its Path" . The Baltimore Sun . Retrieved November 18, 2022 .
^ "Bucks to Finalize Trade for Perry" . The Journal Times . September 25, 1996. Retrieved June 28, 2022 .
^ "Parish Keeps Rolling" . The Spokesman-Review . Wire Services. September 26, 1996. Retrieved January 2, 2023 .
^ "SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Bucks Hire Chris Ford as Their New Coach" . The New York Times . June 16, 1996. Retrieved November 7, 2022 .
^ "Ex-Boston Boss Ford to Coach Bucks" . Chicago Tribune . June 16, 1996. Retrieved January 2, 2023 .
^ "NBA Games Played on February 6, 1997" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved January 2, 2023 .
^ "Bucks Trade Shawn Respert for Acie Earl" . Associated Press . February 20, 1997. Retrieved February 2, 2023 .
^ "Trading Deadline Becomes Much Ado About a Little" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. February 21, 1997. Retrieved February 2, 2023 .
^ "Pacers Make Point in Reacquiring Jackson" . The Washington Post . February 21, 1997. Retrieved June 21, 2023 .
^ "1996–97 Milwaukee Bucks Schedule and Results" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 28, 2021 .
^ Jorgensen, Loren (February 8, 1997). "No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home" . Deseret News . Retrieved April 19, 2023 .
^ Fry, Darrell (February 8, 1997). "On to the Next Stage" . Tampa Bay Times . Retrieved December 28, 2022 .
^ "1997 NBA All-Star Recap" . NBA.com . NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2023 .
^ "1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved November 27, 2021 .
^ a b "1996–97 Milwaukee Bucks Roster and Stats" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 28, 2021 .
^ "Injury Means More Surgery for Lang" . The Journal Times . October 5, 1997. Retrieved October 7, 2022 .
^ "N.B.A.: NOTEBOOK" . The New York Times . October 7, 1997. Retrieved May 1, 2023 .
^ Roberts, Selena (September 26, 1997). "PRO BASKETBALL; Sonics' Kemp Gets Wish and Is Traded, to Cavs" . The New York Times . Retrieved May 16, 2022 .
^ Baker, Chris (September 26, 1997). "Kemp Is Key Player in Three-Way Trade" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved September 18, 2022 .
^ Sherwin, Bob (September 26, 1997). "Shawn Kemp Moves On -- Reign Comes to an End -- Kemp Is a Cav, Baker Is a Sonic After 3-Way Deal" . The Seattle Times . Retrieved July 25, 2021 .
^ "Kemp Is Traded to Cavaliers in Three-Way Deal" . The Washington Post . September 26, 1997. Retrieved December 3, 2022 .
^ "Sonics Send Kemp to Cavs in 3-Way Deal" . Deseret News . Associated Press. September 26, 1997. Retrieved June 20, 2023 .
^ Wise, Mike (June 26, 1997). "After Duncan, Utah Forward Steals Show" . The New York Times . Retrieved June 28, 2022 .
^ Heisler, Mark (June 26, 1997). "Draft Over, But Not Finished" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved October 22, 2022 .
^ Cotton, Anthony (June 26, 1997). "No. 1 Pick Turns Duncan into Spur of Moment" . The Washington Post . Retrieved January 8, 2023 .
^ Diamos, Jason (October 29, 1997). "N.B.A. PREVIEW '97-'98; Kenny Smith, a Poor Fit with Nets, Is Cut" . The New York Times . Retrieved October 10, 2022 .
^ "Nets Sign Sherman Douglas" . Associated Press . October 31, 1997. Retrieved January 18, 2022 .
^ "1996–97 Milwaukee Bucks Transactions" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved July 3, 2021 .