The Milwaukee Bucks are close to deciding on a new head coach who will replace Mike Budenholzer. Of course, Coach Bud was fired after the Bucks, owners of the the NBA’s best record in the 2022-23 season, lost in the first round to the eight-seed Miami Heat. One caveat to any major move that the Bucks’ organization makes is ensuring the satisfaction of their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unsurprisingly, when the decision was made to fire Budenholzer, many wondered what Giannis thought about the move, and if he had signed off on it.
Milwaukee Bucks insider claims Giannis Antetokounmpo was made aware of the decision to fire Mike Budenholzer.
For years now, the NBA has been influenced in major ways by the superstars who make it popular. For better or worse, that means that coaches and role players have seen their jobs put in jeopardy by the whims of an elite few. Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the league, and while he has never indicated that he wants an Aaron Rodgers or LeBron James like say in what the Milwaukee front office does, the Bucks are wise to keep him informed and keep him happy.
In a recent mailbag article on The Athletic, Bucks insider Eric Nehm addressed a question about whether or not Giannis knew about and/or signed off on the decision to part ways with Coach Budenholzer:
“No one in the Bucks’ organization is going to admit to Antetokounmpo being consulted about any specific personnel decision or any coaching change, but he is the franchise’s most important person. His transcendent rise to superstardom and spectacular play is the reason why the Bucks have been in a position to contend for championships for the last five seasons. Antetokounmpo is aware of everything that is happening or going to happen within the organization at all times.”
The conclusion that is to be drawn by this is that if Giannis did not specifically sign off on the decision, he was made aware of it before it happened. It is also fair to assume that he has been kept up-to-date on the franchise’s head coaching search.
Seeing as how Giannis is the best player on the team, perspective head coaches are likely asked how they will best utilize his talents and help him grow as a player. Similarly, it stands to reason that Giannis, too, was asked by the organization what qualities he wants in a head coach.
There are three candidates left on the Bucks’ list: Nick Nurse, Adrian Griffin, and Kenny Atkinson. While Giannis does not have the final say in who will get the job, it is probable that he will be asked for his opinion.
More must-reads: