Moncrief entered the NBA when he was selected fifth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1979 NBA Draft. His arrival in Milwaukee marked the beginning of an era where the Bucks became a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Moncrief quickly established himself as a vital component of the team, known for his tenacious defense and ability to score in a variety of ways.
Throughout his career with the Bucks, Moncrief was a five-time NBA All-Star, earning selections from 1982 to 1986. His defensive skills were particularly noteworthy, as he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons, 1983 and 1984. Moncrief's ability to guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset on the court, often tasked with shutting down the opposing team's best player.
Offensively, Moncrief was a consistent scorer, averaging over 20 points per game in four different seasons. His versatility allowed him to contribute not only as a scorer but also as a playmaker and rebounder. Moncrief's all-around game was instrumental in leading the Bucks to several deep playoff runs, although an NBA championship eluded him during his career.
In addition to his individual accolades, Moncrief was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1983 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1982, 1984, and 1985. His defensive excellence was further recognized with five selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team from 1983 to 1986 and the Second Team in 1982.
After a decade with the Bucks, Moncrief briefly retired in 1989 but returned to the NBA for the 1990-1991 season with the Atlanta Hawks. Although his time with the Hawks was short, Moncrief continued to demonstrate his skills and leadership on the court.
Moncrief's career was characterized by his relentless work ethic and ability to perform at both ends of the floor.
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