Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
There have been talks for a while now about Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders being on the verge of signing a contract extension that will make him the highest paid player on the team, rightfully so. Sanders officially signed a four-year, $44 million deal that will make him a member of the Bucks through the 2017-18 NBA season.
“By combining his God-given ability with hard work and determination, Larry has developed into one of the top defensive players in the league,” Bucks general manager John Hammond said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “He is a very important part of what we are doing in Milwaukee, and we’re excited to announce his contract extension.”
After Milwaukee traded point guard Brandon Jennings, the team needed someone to step up and become the face of the franchise. After Sanders’ solid performance this past season, there is no question he is the man for the job. The fact that he embraces the new role just adds to the Bucks confidence in him.
“I think I am ready,” Sanders said, according to Sporting News. “I think I am ready to take that next step and be the face of the franchise.”
Sanders is everything any player, coach or fan would want in a team leader. He is an intense and determined person who does not back down from a challenge. He wants to improve his own skills while helping everyone around him get better. More importantly, he wants to win immediately and bring glory back to Milwaukee.
The 24-year-old averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.8 blocks per game in 71 contests (55 starts) last season. He finished third in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting.
