Bucks Zone

Michael Redd's forgotten All-Star reputation throughout his Bucks prime

Redd Hot was a bad man and a lethal talent, but his dubious lack of All-Star recognition during his Milwaukee heyday has overshadowed his elite career.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

When Trae Young was questionably counted out of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, he had an intriguing source of support coming from Michael Redd.

As a former league star himself, the ex-Milwaukee Bucks sensation deeply knew how it feels like to be disregarded. Throughout his prime, Michael painfully didn't get the respect and honor he sought. Thus, he can only feel sorry for the snubbing the league has made towards Trae.

But days after, a miracle came down for the Atlanta Hawks star, and he was eventually named as one of the injury replacements to play for the East. This ultimately gave him his fourth career All-Star selection and a massive sigh of relief as his elite production this year was acknowledged.

From Michael’s perspective, it is perfect for Trae that the tables have turned, and he was honored. But looking back on his case from the past, he would love to be reconsidered and obtain his flowers as well.

A forgotten star

When Ray Allen got traded away by the Bucks in 2003, Michael seized all of the momentum to make a noise for himself.

Playing his first three NBA seasons behind the towering shadow of Allen, Redd instantly blazed out towards stardom the following season as Milwaukee's newest lead guard. Ending the year with 21.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.3 boards for a full 82 games, he was honored as a 2004 NBA All-Star for the first time in his career. His offensive talent was finally on display, which put the league on notice.

Redd didn't waste this dream season of his to continue propelling himself as a legitimate star. He might have carved himself out as the newest franchise cornerstone, but sadly, despite averaging 22+ points in the next five seasons, his name wasn't called up anymore in the All-Star festivities.

Redd Hot still deserves some love

As it is, both injury issues and the Bucks’ collective underperforming throughout that five-year leg truly made such massive impacts that hindered Michael's case to become an All-Star yet again. But we can actually make a case that he should've gained recognition once or twice, especially back in 2005-06, in which he led Milwaukee to the playoffs while averaging 25.4 points, 4.3 boards, and 2.9 assists.

While Redd's NBA career has already faded in the minds of the majority of hoop fans today, real ones still know and will always reminisce on how great he was as a lethal bucket-getter.

How Michael Redd went from warming the bench to being the star of the Milwaukee Bucks

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.