Assistant Coach Vin Baker Leaving Bucks, Joining Heat

After spending the past eight years as a Bucks assistant coach, Vin Baker is leaving his position to join Erik Spoelstra‘s staff with the Heat, sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link).

Baker has a close relationship with two-time Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami’s major offseason addition, Haynes adds.

According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Antetokounmpo has said he admires “Baker’s character and Baker’s successful battle against alcoholism earlier this century.”

While Baker has been an NBA assistant in Milwaukee for the better part of a decade, he’s far more well known for his playing career. The 6’11” forward/center was named to the All-Rookie team in 1993/94 after being selected No. 9 overall in the 1993 draft and proceeded to make four straight All-Star appearances from 1994-98.

However, as Jackson mentioned, Baker’s promising career was derailed due to his struggles with alcohol. He played another eight years in the league after that initial five-season stretch, but was unable to replicate the success he found early on. More importantly, he appears to be in a much better place now.

No one from the Heat’s current coaching staff is expected to be let go to make room for Baker, Jackson adds.