When the Bucks traded for Charlie Villanueva they certainly didn’t expect this much from the big man. After the Bucks first 6 games of the 2006-2007 NBA campaign, Villanueva has been a hard cover for teams, as CV has averaged almost a double-double per game at 17 and 9. Villanueva has also shown the ability to knock down the outside jumper, which he had done last year at Toronto. But perhaps the biggest surprise to this point has been the chemistry between Villanueva and 2004 #1 overall pick Andrew Bogut. Bogut and Villanueva have combined for 30 and 15 per contest. They have both provided an immediate spark for the already laboring offense of the Bucks due to the injury of Bobby Simmons. Bucks star Michael Redd said that he doesn’t want to always be that guy that has to carry the load every night, and he’s certainly embraced the emergence of the two big men thusfar. If this trend continues, look for the Bucks to show consistent results against top-tier teams in the Eastern Conference and challenge for an even stronger playoff spot than last year.

Hot Topic: Pistons All-Star Guard Chauncey Billups is reportedley interested in the Bucks. He liked what he saw from the young players in the opening game of the season against Milwaukee and is a free agent after this season. What makes this development even more intriguing for Bucks fans is that Milwaukee will have the most money to spend next summer at almost $14, and are in need of a point guard. If the Bucks could in fact intice Billups to sign, the Bucks could be set up for a title run in 2007-2008.