Michael Redd

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' head coach George Karl rewarded him with additional playing time. He posted averages of 11.4 points per contest as well as 44.4% on three-point shooting during his second NBA season.[2] On February 20, 2002, against the Houston Rockets, Redd made eight three-point field goals in the fourth quarter, a then-NBA record. In October 2002, he signed a four-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks,[2][3] but it was matched by the Bucks and he remained in Milwaukee.[2][4][5] 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 only All-Star Game appearance.

After the 2004–05 season, Redd signed a new contract with the Bucks that lasted six years and was worth $91 million. He chose to stay with the Bucks over leaving for his home state team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a chance to play for less money with LeBron James.

In the 2006–07 season, Redd arguably had the best season of his career, averaging a career-high 26.7 points per game. That season, on November 11, 2006, Redd scored a career-high 57 points in a 113-111 loss to the Utah Jazz, breaking the single-game Bucks record for points scored set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971.[6] Later that season, on March 4, 2007, Redd scored 52 points in an overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls.[7] Despite his efforts, the Bucks struggled to win games, finishing 28–54 in the season.[8]

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 2008–09 season.[9]

Redd returned for the Bucks to start the 2009–10 season, but during a game against the Los Angeles 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.[10][11]

On March 28, 2011, Redd was able to return to the Bucks after 14 months from the injury and recorded four 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 2010–11 season. When he left Milwaukee, he had averaged 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.[12] Redd made his debut for Phoenix on January 12, 2012, scoring 14 points in a loss to the Cavaliers.[13] Redd returned to Milwaukee on February 7, 2012, scoring 14 points in the win over the Bucks. He received a standing ovation from the crowd.[14] On March 18, 2012, Redd scored a season-high 25 points in a victory against the Houston Rockets.[15] In his final NBA game on April 25, 2012, he scored 14 points in a 110–106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.[16]

On November 6, 2013, Redd announced his retirement from the NBA.[17] In his retirement Redd has become an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He also has a popular podcast called Betting On Yourself.[18]

In 2021, Redd was one of only three former Bucks players (Brandon Jennings and Marques Johnson) to appear in Milwaukee’s championship parade.[19]