Sessions thought he would remain with the Bucks

Paul Imig Posted: Oct. 22, 2009

MILWAUKEE -- Ramon Sessions thought he was going to be back with the Milwaukee Bucks.

After spending the entire summer waiting for a contract offer to come in, the Minnesota Timberwolves entered the picture overnight in early September and signed Sessions to a four-year, $16 million offer sheet.

But in Sessions’ mind, he didn’t believe signing the offer with Minnesota marked the end of his career with the Bucks.
“To be honest, I thought they would make something happen and they would match (the offer sheet),” Sessions said Saturday before playing his first game at the Bradley Center as a visitor. “But I had a great two years here and now it’s time to move on.”
Sessions admitted it felt strange to be back in Milwaukee so soon, especially in the visitor’s locker room.

“It’s definitely weird being back in the Bradley Center,” Sessions said. “The fans embraced me well. I got a Snickers bar from a fan and all, and signed one (Sessions jersey) when I was out there (during shootaround). I’m going to miss this city. It’s definitely a great feeling to be back in the building.”

Sessions experienced free agency sooner than most two-year players. After being selected in the second round of the 2007 National Basketball Association draft and signing a two-year rookie contract, the former University of Nevada standout spent most of his rookie season in the NBA’s Development League, before having a breakout season with the Bucks in 2008-09 that included a 44-point performance in February against Detroit.

“In those two years, one of those years was in the D-League,” Sessions said. “So basically it was off one full year and NBA season. But it just shows what you can accomplish in a short period of time in this league. I felt like I had a great year last year and it kind of put me in a situation this summer to be in free agency, which is not a bad thing.”

During the first day of free agency this summer, Sessions saw his then-teammate Charlie Villanueva agree to a lucrative contract with the Detroit Pistons. However, it would be another two months before Sessions had any idea where he might end up.
“It was real crazy,” Sessions said of his free agency experience. “Those two months were probably the roughest I’ve had in a long time. I didn’t expect it to go that long. But then I think (NBA commissioner) Mr. (David) Stern came out with the shrinking salary cap, and it kind of switched a lot of things out there.

“Teams were still talking; New York and (Los Angeles) of course were the main focuses, and then Minnesota came in the picture when (Ricky) Rubio stayed over (to continue playing in Europe). It was an opportunity for me (in Minnesota) so we didn’t waste any time.”

Sessions recalled that Rubio made the decision to postpone his jump to the NBA on a Thursday, and that the Timberwolves called him Friday morning and got the deal done that same day.

In Minnesota, Sessions has been competing throughout training camp with rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, but Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis indicated before the game that Sessions will “probably” be the back-up.

“He’s a stabilizing influence,” Rambis said of Sessions. “Jonny’s going to make mistakes. Ramon’s going to make mistakes. But I think that with Ramon’s experience, when things get a little bit ratty out there, then I can always throw Ramon in and trust him that he’s going to calm things down and get us moving in the right direction. We’re trying to groom Jonny and give him as much playing time as possible.”

Sessions said he’s okay with whatever role his new team has for him.

“Jonny’s a great player,” Sessions said. “We’ve got a lot of young talent out here. Coming off the bench or starting, it really doesn’t matter. I’m just going out there having fun with the guys.”

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Sessions thought he would remain with the Bucks