Michael Redd - NBA Career

NBA Career

In his rookie year, Redd was not able to contribute immediately as he was behind NBA All-Star guard Ray Allen on the depth chart. Later on however, it became apparent that he was better than anticipated as proven by accounts that he had played extremely well against Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and other teammates in practice. It was then that former Bucks coach George Karl rewarded him with additional playing time. He did not disappoint as he posted averages of 11.4 points per contest as well as 44.4% on three point baskets. A year later (2001–2002), he improved his average to a 15.1 points per contest while shooting 43.4% on three point baskets. Notably, it was this year that on February 20, 2002 against the Houston Rockets, Redd made eight three-point field goals in the fourth quarter, a current NBA record. In October 2002, he signed a four-year $12 million offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks but it was matched by the Bucks and he remained in Milwaukee. During the 2003–04 season, Redd's performance, amongst other reasons (ouster of Ray Allen to Seattle via a trade), was rewarded with full starter's duties and later earning averages of 21.7 points per contest en route to his first and, so far, only All-Star Game appearance.

After the 2004–2005 NBA season, Redd signed a new contract with the Bucks that was negotiated by his agent Kevin Poston. The contract lasted 6 years, and was worth $91 million. He chose to stay with the Bucks over leaving for his homestate team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a chance to play for less money with LeBron James.

The Milwaukee Bucks were dealt a devastating blow January 25, 2009 when they learned Redd would miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Redd missed the rest of the 2009 season.

Redd returned for the Bucks to start the 2009–10 season, but during a game against the Lakers on January 10, 2010, he re-tore his ACL and MCL in the same knee that he had injured almost a year earlier. It was announced the next day that he would once again be lost for the rest of the season.

On March 28, 2011 Redd was able to return to the Milwaukee Bucks after 14 months from the injury and recorded 4 assists in his return. On March 30, 2011 against the Toronto Raptors, Redd scored his first NBA basket since his return from injury. Redd played 10 games in the 2010-2011 NBA season. When he left Milwaukee, he had averaged exactly 20 points per game in his 11 seasons with the team.

The Phoenix Suns signed Redd to a one-year contract on December 29, 2011. Redd made his debut for Phoenix on January 12, 2012, scoring 14 points in a loss to the Cavaliers. Redd returned to Milwaukee on February 7, scoring 14 points in the win over the Bucks. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. On March 18, 2012 Redd scored a season-high 25 points in a victory against the Houston Rockets.