Paul Pressey
A versatile forward/guard who anchored the Bucks' defense in the eighties.
via Wikipedia: Paul Pressey · see source
Paul Pressey is a celebrated figure in the Milwaukee Bucks' history, recognized for his versatility and defensive tenacity during the mid-1980s. While playing small forward for the Bucks, Pressey took on many ball handling duties, even leading the team in assists for five straight years. A renowned defender, he was named to the All-NBA Defensive Team three times and was top 20 in the league in defensive rating four consecutive seasons from 1982–83 to 1985–86. Alongside hall-of-famers Sidney Moncrief, Bob Lanier, and Marques Johnson, Pressey and the Bucks reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times, though they never advanced to the NBA Finals.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 24 December 1958
- Birthplace
- Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
- High school
- George Wythe (Richmond, Virginia)
- College
- Western Texas (1978–1980); Tulsa (1980–1982)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 20
- Drafted by
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Career position
- Small forward
Lore & Background
Throughout his tenure, Pressey developed a reputation as a defensive specialist and a versatile playmaker. As a rookie on March 26, 1983, he scored a season-high 23 points and recorded 4 steals in an 89–81 victory against the New York Knicks. In the 1984-85 NBA season, he helped the Bucks to a 59–23 record, starting 80 games and leading the Bucks in assists with 6.8 per game, while adding 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. In that year's playoffs, Pressey and the Bucks advanced past the Michael Jordan-led Bulls in the first round, with Pressey scoring 20 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and 6 steals in a deciding Game 4 victory. On February 19, 1986, he scored 26 points on 11-15 shooting and recorded 11 assists while leading the Bucks to a 124–107 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. A week later, on February 25, Pressey set a career high with 16 assists in a 114–99 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. In the 1986 NBA Playoffs, he recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists in Game 5 of the 1986 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the Philadelphia 76ers on May 7, 1986. The Bucks would win that series in 7 games, before being eliminated in the Conference Finals by the Celtics. On November 7, 1988, Pressey played 48 minutes, the entire game, due to injuries to various teammates and scored 21 points, while recording 8 assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds, in a loss against the New Jersey Nets. During the 1990 NBA Playoffs, his last with the Bucks, he helped Milwaukee to a Game 3 win over the Chicago Bulls with 19 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, though the Bucks would go on to lose the series. On August 1, 1990, Pressey was traded to San Antonio for Frank Brickowski.
Reader's Guide
Paul Pressey stands as a pivotal figure in the Milwaukee Bucks' transition through the mid-1980s. While playing small forward for the Bucks, he took on many of the ball handling duties, even leading the team in assists for five straight years. He participated in the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, finishing in 6th place out of 8. During the 1990 NBA Playoffs, his last with the Bucks, Pressey helped Milwaukee to a Game 3 win over the Chicago Bulls with 19 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. However, the Bucks would go on to lose the series. For modern collectors and historians, Pressey represents a bridge between eras. He played alongside hall-of-famers Sidney Moncrief, Bob Lanier, and Marques Johnson, helping the Bucks reach the Eastern Conference Finals three times. Understanding his contribution helps complete the picture of an organization that has constantly evolved while maintaining competitive standards. His legacy is one of consistency and clutch performance when the game mattered most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did he play with Milwaukee?
Pressey spent five seasons on the team between 1983 and 1988 before moving on to other franchises.
What positions did he fill on the court?
He served as a versatile backcourt player who could handle duties as both a point guard and shooting guard.
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