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If you've followed the Milwaukee Bucks since before they snapped their 50-year championship drought, you're probably well aware of former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez. Matt closely covered the team from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton's rookie year through 2020, and generously took some time away from his new gig at Bleacher Report to talk to Ti WIndisch and Rohan Katti on the Gyro Step about his memories from covering the Bucks, what it was like to watch the team win a championship from afar, Milwaukee's veil of secrecy around injury news and more, and the current Bucks' chances of repeating as champions. Get the earliest heads up on ALL GSPN content, including podcasts, YouTube videos, and even new written articles on the GSPN Substack! The Gyro Step Podcast Network is on YouTube for live podcasts and other projects including this very podcast episode and many more to come, subscribe today! GSPN is proud to call Blue Wire's network of podcasts home. You can (and should) follow Rohan, Ti, Adam, Jordan, and the Gyro Step and the Win In 6 podcast on Twitter. Don't forget to leave a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get us to read your review live at the end of an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Host JR Radcliffe is joined by special guest Matt Velazquez, former Journal Sentinel Bucks writer and a student of the salary-cap minutiae, to weigh in on Milwaukee's initial foray into free agency. Bobby Portis is staying and P.J. Tucker is leaving, and both count as surprises. Is it possible Portis staying impacted Tucker's plight? What factors are in play that might have compelled Milwaukee to move on from their defensive stopper and veteran leader? What do we know about newcomers Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood? Do the Bucks still have a move left to make?
Matt Velazquez of Bleacher Report and formerly of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joined the show to give his thoughts on the NBA Finals ahead of Game 5. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8 AM – Bart breaks down the NBA Finals with Matt Velazquez and Frank Madden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Milwaukee will look to even the NBA Finals in Game 2 on the road. Matt Velazquez joins the show to dig into takeaways from Game 1 and project ahead by discussing lineups, defensive strategy, limitations of the roster and how to get Jrue Holiday rolling. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you'll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Milwaukee will look to even the NBA Finals in Game 2 on the road. Matt Velazquez joins the show to dig into takeaways from Game 1 and project ahead by discussing lineups, defensive strategy, limitations of the roster and how to get Jrue Holiday rolling.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bucks beat reporters Matt Velazquez and Charles Gardner join host JR Radcliffe and current scribe Jim Owczarski to preview the NBA finals and look at the organizational evolution to this historic achievement. They revisit the astonishing 2013 trade for Khris Middleton. Should Mike Budenholzer have been on the hot seat (and is he still there)? What X-factors took a great regular-season team and made it a title-caliber squad? How did Jason Kidd factor into the progress that was made with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Most importantly, can this team beat the Phoenix Suns without a healthy Giannis? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.
Tuesday was an off day for the Milwaukee Bucks which gave us a chance to catch up on some more takeaways from training camp. Matt Velazquez jumps on the line to discuss Torrey Craig and Jrue Holiday defensively..before we analyse an interesting quote from Mike Budenholzer about switching on defense.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you'll get 20% off your next order.BuiltGoVisit BuiltGO.com and use promo code “LOCKED,” and you'll get 20% off your next order.HeadspaceYou deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to Headspace.com/lockedonnba for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace's full library of meditations for every situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tuesday was an off day for the Milwaukee Bucks which gave us a chance to catch up on some more takeaways from training camp. Matt Velazquez jumps on the line to discuss Torrey Craig and Jrue Holiday defensively..before we analyse an interesting quote from Mike Budenholzer about switching on defense. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. BuiltGo Visit BuiltGO.com and use promo code “LOCKED,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. Headspace You deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to Headspace.com/lockedonnba for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt joins the guys for his final apperance talking Bucks basketball See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're officially on Giannis Watch as he returns to Milwaukee with the Supermax Extension looming over everything. It's our final podcast with Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez, who's relocating to Indianapolis. He offers some fearless predictions for what's ahead in Milwaukee.
Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe discuss the many eccentricities of the reported Bogdan Bogdanovic deal that fell through. Will there be consequences for the Bucks? Is the league making too harsh an example of Milwaukee? Why would anyone leak that information anyway? Eventually, the guys do discuss the changes the Bucks actually did make to their roster, including the reported weirdness around the re-signing of Pat Connaughton. Oh, and there's plenty of Giannis/Supermax conversation. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joined the show to recap the latest news surrounding the Bucks and Bogdan Bogdanović. Plus, what can we expect with free agency starting on Friday? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 AM - Commercial free. Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joined the show to recap the latest news surrounding the Bucks and Bogdan Bogdanović. Plus, what can we expect with free agency starting on Friday? Also, our embedded Green & Gold reporter, Mike Clemens joins the show to preview Packers @ Colts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joined the show to recap the latest news surrounding the Bucks and Bogdan Bogdanović. Plus, what can we expect with free agency starting on Friday?
The Bucks made some huge splashes late Monday, reportedly trading for Jrue Holiday and Bogdan Bogdanovic to create a stellar starting five. Does it mean Giannis is destined to sign his Supermax extension, perhaps as soon as Nov. 22? How big of a risk was surrendering as many as five first-round draft picks in the exchange for Holiday? Who's gonna fill out the rest of the roster now that so many old faces are gone? Do the Bucks have the best starting five in the league now? Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe break it all down. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
Justin is joined by Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to talk about Josh Oppenheimer rejoining the staff and the potential return of basketball in time for Christmas (3:19). Then Justin is joined by Ashton Rotman to talk about Victor Oladipo and the most memorable games from this past season (29:10).
How does a Bucks team up against the salary cap improve, especially as it seeks to convince star Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign an extension? Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez looks at the Bucks' offseason options, potential trade assets and areas the Bucks might be willing to take a step back so they can take a step forward elsewhere. Does Matt expect Eric Bledsoe back at the point next year? Quite simply, what does a successful offseason look like? Is there any chance the Bucks use their draft pick Nov. 18? Is there a chance the club could find a fit in free agency? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe provide a post-mortem on the 2019-20 Bucks season, one ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Was there something different about Giannis' comments after the loss that reassure he's staying long-term in Milwaukee (3:30)? Was the criticism of Mike Budenholzer warranted, and would the Bucks actually be willing to move on at head coach (8:15)? Khris Middleton may still have his doubters, but he showed up in the series (23:15). Is the Eric Bledsoe/Malcolm Brogdon comparison fair, and does this series change the framing of that discussion ... and will Bledsoe be back (29:30)? What is the Bucks ultimate path forward to getting better (38:00)? Is there ANY point at which the Bucks decide to trade Giannis (44:15)? Is there still a chance the Bucks will be seen as the team to beat in the East in 2021 (48:00)? Was this the Bucks destiny, or did the collapse happen because of the disruption of the bubble (51:30)?
09/08/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks 103-94 loss to Miami without Giannis Antetokounmpo on Tuesday. Hear from head coach, Mike Budenholzer and Giannis in this episode. Also, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel stops by.
09/06/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks 118-115 win against the Heat in Game 4. Hear from head coach Mike Budenholzer and we go inside the locker room. Also, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel stops by.
09/04/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks 115-100 loss to the Heat in Game 3. Could this be the kiss of death for the Bucks? Hear from head coach Mike Budenholzer and we go inside the locker room. Also, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel stops by.
09/02/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer shows frustration after the Bucks' lose in heartbreaking fashion in Game 2. Hear from the coach and we go inside the lockerroom after the loss. Hear from Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel as well.
The Bucks took care of the Orlando Magic with a convincing Game 5 win, but the real story was the team sitting out its scheduled game Wednesday, a maneuver that ignited a wave of mini strikes for social justice around the sports world. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe look back at the Orlando series (Marvin Williams!) and again preview what's to come with Miami (14:00). Then, Matt ruminates on how history will remember Milwaukee's decision to sit out Game 5 (26:45), and discusses, among other aspects, LeBron James' reported reaction (35:30). Oh yeah, and Giannis won Defensive Player of the Year...by a lot (48:15). Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
08/31/20: Pick N' Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks' Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat. Who gets the blame for the loss? Hear from head coach, Mike Budenholzer, Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo after the loss. Also, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel stops by.
Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe discuss Milwaukee's swift turnaround from a Game 1 loss to three straight wins in the Eastern Conference opening round. They take a look at Khris Middleton's Game 4 resurrection, explore a potential next opponent in the Miami Heat and briefly ponder whether Indiana or Philadelphia can return to the fray next season (plus, look back at the Malcolm Brogdon decision). Also, George Hill and others thoughtfully address bigger-picture issues. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
08/22/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks' convincing 121-107 win in Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. Do you have any concerns anymore about this Bucks team? Hear from Coach Bud and we go inside the locker room. Also, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel stops by to give his thoughts on the win.
08/20/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down a bounce back performance as the Bucks get a 111-96 victory in Game 2 over the Magic. Hear from Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel after the victory as well.
The Milwaukee Bucks struggled mightily in their first playoff game a 122-110 upset at the hands of the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic. Is it as bad as it seems? Was it actually a question of effort? How grave is the overall concern, and what tweaks must Milwaukee make to turn away the upset over the course of the series? Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the unusual situation surrounding the Bucks.
Matt Velazquez - joins Bart to recap the Bucks loss to the Magic
08/13/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Steve "Sparky" Fifer breaks down the Bucks' 119-106 loss to Memphis in the finale of this bizarre 2020 season. Hear from Bucks' legend Sidney Moncrief and Matt Velazquez of the Journal-Sentinel as well.
Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the potential fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's headbutt of Mo Wagner in Tuesday's game against the Wizards. Where's Matt's concern level with the way the Bucks have played so far? What do we know about the Orlando Magic, the team that will be Milwaukee's first-round playoff foe? Is Brook Lopez really better when he's near his beloved Disney World? Plus, a comparison between Giannis and the Kool-Aid Man, oh yeah! Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
The Milwaukee Bucks started with two losses in three games in the Orlando bubble, but of course, that required some explanation. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the team, three games into the resumption of the NBA season. How seriously should we consider red flags raised by allowing 73 points in a half to Brooklyn? What's up with the turnovers and shaky defense? Are the Celtics a greater concern in the East than they may have been before? With Jonathan Isaac's injury, should the Bucks be hoping to face the Magic or the Nets in the first round? Matt also explains why James Harden actually can be fun to watch, and the petty horn returns in all its glory. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
08/02/20: Pick N Save Pro Hoops Post Game Show - Sparky breaks down the Bucks' 120-116 loss to the Houston Rockets. Hear from Bucks' legend Sidney Moncrief and Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel as well.
Matt Velazquez joins Bart to preview the return of the Bucks
Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe look back at the Milwaukee Bucks' three scrimmages in the Orlando bubble and preview what's to come, starting Friday with Boston. Matt also discusses his postseason awards votes, plus conversation about Eric Bledsoe, Pat Connaughton and Magic Wings.
Matt Velazquez, Bucks Beat Reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, joins the show to talk NBA rejoin, the Bucks, and more. When do we think the entire group will be back together in the bubble? Will Eric Bledsoe get a bit of a pass because he joined the team so late? Has he been impressed with how the NBA has handled the bubble? How will the Bucks depth and bench help them in the NBA restart? Is he impressed with how the Bucks handled the time off, and how the players bettered themselves? What is he expecting to see in the Bucks' scrimmage tonight?
Matt Velazquez from the MJS jumps back on LOB to discuss all the talking point from Giannis' latest media availability including the MVP working out in the gym, his 3-point shooting and what type of resting strategy the Bucks may take with their superstar. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rad Power Bikes Right now as a limited time offer, get a free accessory with the purchase of a bike. That’s right. And FREE shipping to the lower 48 states. To get this special offer, text the word LOCKED to 64-000. Freshly Join almost ONE AND A HALF MILLION Satisfied Customers and skip the shopping, prepping, cooking, and clean up. Freshly is offering our listeners FORTY DOLLARS OFF FOR THEIR FIRST TWO ORDERS at freshly.com/lockedonnba Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Manscaped Go to Manscaped.com and use code Locked On to get 20% Off and Free Shipping. Manscaped is #1 in men’s below the belt grooming and offers precision-engineered tools for your family jewels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matt Velazquez from the MJS jumps back on LOB to discuss all the talking point from Giannis' latest media availability including the MVP working out in the gym, his 3-point shooting and what type of resting strategy the Bucks may take with their superstar.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rad Power BikesRight now as a limited time offer, get a free accessory with the purchase of a bike. That's right. And FREE shipping to the lower 48 states. To get this special offer, text the word LOCKED to 64-000.FreshlyJoin almost ONE AND A HALF MILLION Satisfied Customers and skip the shopping, prepping, cooking, and clean up. Freshly is offering our listeners FORTY DOLLARS OFF FOR THEIR FIRST TWO ORDERS at freshly.com/lockedonnbaRock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.ManscapedGo to Manscaped.com and use code Locked On to get 20% Off and Free Shipping. Manscaped is #1 in men's below the belt grooming and offers precision-engineered tools for your family jewels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez and host JR Radcliffe discuss the implications of no Eric Bledsoe or Pat Connaughton, at least in the short term, as the Bucks prepare for Thursday's scrimmage and a July 31 restart. With the window for NBA awards voting now cemented to everything before the shutdown, is a second MVP for Giannis Antetokounmpo secure? How do the refashioned rosters impact a potential first-round playoff foe for Milwaukee? Is Khris Middleton on the cusp of taking his game to another level? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
The Milwaukee Bucks are in Orlando and ready to return to basketball. Beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what we need to know. How concerning is the closure of the Bucks practice facility after a positive COVID-19 test? What are the odds this season gets to completion? What basketball-specific story lines remain intriguing? How will the eight-game 'season' impact the Bucks ... if at all ... or the postseason awards voting? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.
Matt Velazquez joins the guys to talk Bucks
The Bucks snap a season high one game win streak against the Pacers with Giannis, Khris and Bled leading the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt Velazquez from the MJS joins LOB to give us the latest on the team from the beat. We also discuss the 70-win pace the Bucks are on, injury updates on Brook and Sterling and what holes the Bucks have on the roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins Kane from Houston to preview the Bucks' season opener against the Rockets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With Frank out for the night, Eric scrapes the bottom of the barrel and manages to record with his bitter rival and mortal enemy Matt Velazquez. Do the Bucks have a chance for two all-defense players? Should the last few weeks worry Bucks fans? What questions do you have for Matt and Eric? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On Thanksgiving Eve, Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel joins Eric to discuss the Bucks 143-100 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. (Like an idiot, Eric forgot his microphone, so it isn't the highest quality recording, BUT many of the worst portions of audio have been removed. And don't worry, Eric will have Matt again some other time.) Who does Giannis Antetokounmpo claim "wants to be like Giannis"? How did the Bucks beat the best team in the Western Conference that easily? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gary Washburn is the National NBA Writer for the Boston Globe. Matt Velazquez covers the Milwaukee Bucks for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Twitters: @GwashburnGlobe; @Matt_Velazquez 8:50 Is Milwaukee the ideal scenario for the Celtics? 15:07 Who carries the offensive load 24:00 Set the bar low for Marcus Smart's return 32:08 Potential Kawhi Leonard trade 38:48 How to slow down Giannis 48:05 Greg Monroe could be a problem for the Bucks Available for download on iTunes and Stitcher Thursday, April 12 2018. Celtics Beat is powered by Casper.