The playoff-hopeful Milwaukee Bucks had history on their side when they decided last week to go into this season with veterans Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith in the starting lineup and rookie Andrew Bogut coming in off the bench.

Coach Terry Stotts said that Smith, if healthy, would start at power forward with Magloire starting at center. Bogut, who started all eight exhibition games at center, will play a reserve role. The Bucks are hoping that starting a veteran lineup will be beneficial to them in their quest for a playoff spot.

In deciding not to start Bogut, the Bucks were mindful of the fact that dating back to 1986, only three of the 19 players who were selected No. 1 overall in the draft, led their teams into the playoffs in their first season. Of those 19 players, only eight led their teams into the playoffs in their second season.

"History shows that overall, No. 1 draft picks don't necessarily lead teams to playoffs," Stotts said. "As a matter of fact, it's quite the opposite."