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The Milwaukee Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer on Thursday. “Bud” was axed after the top-ranked Bucks, who had the best record in the NBA, were eliminated in five games by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat.
Milwaukee could have a different look next season, particularly with Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez hitting free agency. Despite that, coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates remains an attractive job.
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With Budenholzer’s exit, it will not be long before the team starts to look for his replacement. Here are a few names that they could consider:
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#5 Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon is a name the Milwaukee Bucks are very familiar with. She was interviewed in 2017 for the team’s vacant general manager position. The Bucks, however, didn’t name her as one of the finalists for the job.
Before Mike Budenholzer was hired in 2018, Hammon was also on the list of candidates to coach the team.
Hammon learned the ropes of coaching from no less than San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who happens to be Budenholzer’s mentor. The former WNBA star has reportedly been eyed also by the Toronto Raptors to replace Nick Nurse.
Becky Hammon currently coaches the Las Vegas Aces, who recently won the WNBA title. She’s likely to vacate it to become the first woman head coach in the NBA.
#4 Kenny Atkinson
Kenny Atkinson has been sought after by several NBA teams after he helped the Golden State Warriors win the championship last season as an assistant coach. He previously coached the Brooklyn Nets but was fired after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving wanted Steve Nash to help them lead the team.
Atkinson is a veteran tactician who isn’t afraid to coach his team hard. He could be the voice that the Milwaukee Bucks would need after this season’s stunning collapse against the Miami Heat.
#3 Charles Lee
After getting rid of Mike Budenholzer, the Milwaukee Bucks could look to one of his assistant coaches as the new shot-caller for the team. Charles Lee has been with the Bucks since 2018 and is very familiar with the players.
Lee has been interviewed on several occasions by some teams for head coaching vacancies. The LA Lakers, before hiring Darvin Ham, were rumored to have seriously considered Lee as well.
Ham has proven to be capable of leading a team while calling the plays. Charles Lee might be just as ready as the Bucks’ bench tactician.
#2 Frank Vogel
If the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for a veteran champion coach, then Frank Vogel should be the one they should call. Vogel led the LA Lakers to the 2020 championship and has been one of the top coaches in the NBA.
Vogel may have been unfairly blamed by the Lakers for their dismal campaign last season. His team usually plays tough defense and he’s not afraid of the bright lights.
#1 Nick Nurse
Nick Nurse is another champion coach who has been fired. The Toronto Raptors let him go this season, but he will not likely be without a job in the NBA for long.
Nurse is one of the most creative and competitive coaches in the league. He could unlock a part of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game that could bring back the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA finals.
