The Bucks have three marquee players, a fourth who is paid like one and a recently hired gun from Miami imported with the intention of putting the team over the top.

Yet with their gesture, the Bucks made one thing clear. If they repeat as Central Division champions, if they get beyond the Eastern Conference and play in their first NBA Finals since 1974, they will do it, at least symbolically, as Ray Allen's team.

Ask coach George Karl what he expects from Allen this season and he doesn't hesitate.

"An MVP-type year," Karl said. "We'll demand consistency out of his greatness. I think he's got to put this team on his back a lot more than he ever has done before."