The Milwaukee Bucks have responded following their disappointing first-round exit from the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Eight days after the Miami Heat eliminated the Bucks on their home floor, the organization fired head coach Mike Budenholzer, as NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski first reported.
Bucks failed to meet expectations
Budenholzer led the Bucks to an NBA-best 58-24 win-loss record in the regular season, two years after Milwaukee won the NBA Finals. But the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference blew double-digit leads in Game 4 and Game 5 of its first-round series against Miami, losing both games and going home earlier than anyone expected.
“Bud helped lead our team for five incredible seasons, to the Bucks’ first title in 50 years, and into an era of sustained success,” a team statement read. “We are grateful for the culture of winning and leadership that Bud helped create in Milwaukee.”
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Budenholzer hits the market
Despite criticism of his postseason coaching decisions, Budenholzer is among the top regular season head coaches in the league. He should have his pick of jobs if he is interested in getting back to work right away.
As for Milwaukee, the search is on for Budenholzer’s replacement in one of the NBA‘s most coveted jobs. Perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo leads a core that includes All-Star forward Khris Middleton and point guard Jrue Holiday.
Potential options could include Budenholzer assistant Charles Lee, former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, and WNBA title-winning coach Becky Hammon, who was formerly on Gregg Popovich‘s staff in San Antonio.
