Bulls are gracious guests at Bucks' arena grand opening
Count Fred Hoiberg among the few who are sorry to see the Bradley Center go.
Hoiberg still has fond memories of producing his NBA career-high of 28 points in Milwaukee on Mar. 3, 2001. Hoiberg added 13 assists that night, but the Bulls lost in double overtime 126-122 despite 31 points from Elton Brand.
The Bucks have officially moved across the street to the new Fiserv Forum. Wednesday's preseason battle was the first NBA game played in the building.
First impressions are there's nothing really unique about it. It's symmetrical, two decks with a ring of suites in the middle. Fan amenities seem to be the biggest difference.
The visitors locker room was nothing special, sort of a generic layout and not particularly spacious.
"It doesn't have a lot of character, but it's nice," veteran center Robin Lopez said before the game.
There was a decent crowd for opening night. The building was a long way from full, but there were people seated in every section.
At the Bradley Center, the entire upper deck went unused at times.
The building is literally across the street, on the north side of the Bradley Center in downtown Milwaukee. The Bucks began playing at the Bradley Center in 1988.
"It has to be exciting for some of these guys who have been here for five or six years to play their first game at a brand new, beautiful arena in front of our fans," first-year Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "I'm guessing there will be a little extra adrenaline and excitement for the first game."
Bulls get survey votes:
The annual GM survey was released on nba.com Wednesday and the Bulls got a few mentions, including a third-place finish in "which team has the most promising young core," behind Boston and Philadelphia, tied with Phoenix.
Wendell Carter Jr. got some votes for both "who will win rookie of the year" and "which rookie will be the best player in five years." Jabari Parker made an appearance in "most underrated player acquisition" and Lauri Markkanen was among the picks for breakout season.
A few Bulls landed in "others receiving votes." Zach LaVine got a vote for most athletic, Jim Boylan for best assistant coach and the Bulls for most improved team.
Hoiberg fears the deer:
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg was prophetic before Wednesday's game in Milwaukee.
"They're a really tough team to stop and if you don't slow them down in transition, it's always a long night," he said. "They've got so many weapons and guys that can handle the ball.
"I watched them warm up a little bit and Giannis (Antetokounmpo) looked like he had grown 3 inches and put on about 20 pounds.