Away from NBA’s free-agent frenzy, Bucks quietly build with signings of Salmons, Gooden

Bucks build with free agents Salmons, Gooden

MILWAUKEE — Far removed from the free-agent frenzy and prime-time television specials, the Milwaukee Bucks quietly believe they’re getting better.

The Bucks formally introduced free agents John Salmons and Drew Gooden on Thursday after agreeing to deals with both players last week.

And while small-market Milwaukee wasn’t anything more than an interested bystander in the sweepstakes for LeBron James and other marquee free agents, general manager John Hammond believes the Bucks are beginning to be seen as a desirable destination for good players.

“I can guarantee you, John Salmons had options, and I can guarantee you, Drew Gooden had options,” Hammond said. “And the fact that they want to be here I think is very, very important to us.”

Hammond and the rest of the Bucks’ front office was busy last week, agreeing to a five-year, $32 million deal with Gooden last Thursday and a $40 million, five-year deal with Salmons a day later. The moves came a few weeks after the Bucks added Corey Maggette in a trade with Golden State.

The Bucks believe they’re now in position to build on last season, when they made a surprise run to the playoffs without injured center Andrew Bogut and then pushed the Atlanta Hawks to seven games before bowing out in the first round.

“With the moves we made, I think we’re competing with anybody,” Salmons said. “With all the shuffling that’s going on now, I think that people have still got to put us in the mix with the best teams. I think that was our goal before we made the moves, and it’s definitely our goal after.”

Coach Scott Skiles knows the team will be facing increased expectations.

“Now the thing that’s going to happen is, the script is going to flip and we’re going to be expected to do something, as opposed to being picked last or second-to-last in the East,” Skiles said. “And that’s good. That’s what we want.”

Salmons played a critical role in the Bucks’ playoff push after arriving in a trade with Chicago in February.

He opted out of his contract and explored his options but ultimately decided to return, citing the team’s stability and chemistry as factors in his decision.

“I’ve been in some chaotic locker rooms,” Salmons said. “It takes a toll on you after a while.”

Skiles, who isn’t known for heaping undue praise upon his players, said it was “almost unbelievable” how well Salmons fit in right away last season. Then he caught himself gushing.

“I’m afraid he’s going to get a big head,” Skiles said, playfully slapping Salmons on the shoulder.

Stability also was a primary concern for Gooden, who said he “wanted a home” after bouncing around the league. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2002 draft has played for eight teams in eight seasons.

“What team is actually going to commit to me and see a future, instead of renting me for a couple months or a year and seeing what they can do with me?” Gooden said. “That was really intriguing for me, and caught my interest.”

After keeping Salmons, finding a power forward to play alongside Bogut was the Bucks’ biggest offseason priority.

Skiles said it would be “shocking” for Gooden not to become a starter right away, but acknowledged that he expects increased competition for playing time up and down the roster.

“When you continue to bring in quality guys, obviously the competition among the players raises up,” Skiles said. “That can be a very, very healthy thing if handled properly by the players and the coaches and the organization, or it can go the other way. We don’t sense in any way that we have the type of people that aren’t going to thrive in that type of environment.”

Hammond said the team was likely done making major moves this offseason. The soft-spoken Salmons seemed relieved he wasn’t in the spotlight like James.

“I’m glad I don’t have a nine o’clock press conference,” he joked.