NEWSLETTER
After an ugly first-round exit to the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks have fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, per ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski.
Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo suffering a lower back injury in Game 1, expectations were high for the Bucks. They were the East’s top seed and held the NBA’s best record heading into their matchup with the Miami Heat. However, it only took Jimmy Butler and Co. five games to advance to a second round matchup with the Knicks.
Butler was red hot during the series, so much so that some questioned Budenholzer’s decision not to attack him differently. Former Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo even said after the Game 5 loss that he wished he could have guarded Butler more.
Regardless, the decision is still major news for an organization that is just two seasons removed from winning the NBA Finals. Expectations are remarkably high in Milwaukee, and they’ll stay that way for whatever head coach takes over the organization next.
The job is undoubtedly expected to be the most attractive on the market. One would also have to think the Bucks would be looking for a coach with championship-level experience. Two names still on the market are Frank Vogel and Nick Nurse. Could either be in contact with Milwaukee already?
If I had it my way, they would hire someone who is completely unqualified and forced Giannis to demand a trade to Chicago!
