Milwaukee Bucks Name Mike Budenholzer New Head Coach

Mike Budenholzer Named Milwaukee Bucks New Head Coach

Budenholzer will sign a four-year deal with the Bucks, after spending the past five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. The former San Antonio Spurs assistant parted ways with Atlanta after a disappointing yet predictable 24-58 season. Pursued by multiple teams, Budenholzer reportedly met with the Toronto Raptors on Monday but left without an offer. The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns also met with the former Hawks coach, before agreeing to terms with their new head coaches.

Budenholzer is signing a four-year deal, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 16, 2018

In Milwaukee, Budenholzer will look to replicate the previous form that once saw him achieve a 60-win season in Atlanta. Budenholzer was named NBA Coach of the Year that season. The 48-year-old is also expected to bring most, if not all, of his main assistants with him, according to TNT’s David Aldridge. A more than capable coach, one of Budenholzer’s goals will be to unlock the full potential of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. But his main priority will be getting the most out of the surrounding cast. Under previous head coach Jason Kidd, the Bucks found some success but left fans wanting more out of a group that should be challenging for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

Fans in Milwaukee are used to mediocrity, as the team hasn’t won a single playoff series since 2001. However, this is a positive move that the Bucks’ fan base should be excited about. Expect Mike Budenholzer to put his own stamp on a talented roster. Next season, we should see a similar roster, but with a change of style on the court. Moving from Kidd to Budenholzer is definitely an upgrade. With the talent already on display, this Bucks team will be intriguing to watch heading into the new season.