Coming into the 2023 NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks were expected to be among the last teams standing. Instead, they lost to the eighth seed in five games and were sent home in utter defeat after such a promising campaign. The worst part about the playoff collapse is just how avoidable it really was. Had the Bucks made adjustments or responded in any way to the Heat in the series, they might have been able to come out alive.
Sadly, that didn’t happen, and now the Bucks have successfully pinned the blame on Mike Budenholzer, who has officially been dismissed from his duties today.
BREAKING: The Milwaukee Bucks dismissed coach Mike Budenholzer, sources tell ESPN. Budenholzer is out after the East’s top-seed suffered a first-round loss to the Miami Heat. pic.twitter.com/wQp0Zk3lxi
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 4, 2023
Bud, a 2x Coach of the Year, earned a lot of respect around the league after helping the Bucks capture a championship in 2021, and it bought him a lot of leeway with the franchise.
Leading up into the postseason, everything was fine for Milwaukee, and they showed no signs of disaster down the stretch of the season. But when Budenholzer’s brother reportedly died during their latest playoff series, it was a distraction that was too much for him to bear.
What’s Next For The Bucks After Firing Bud?
With Budenholzer out, the Bucks can begin their search for a new voice in the locker room, and maybe one that Giannis himself plays a role in choosing. Despite the inevitable speculation, Giannis is the future of the Bucks, and he needs a coach that can make the most out of his talent.
Additionally, the Bucks should consider making some roster moves as well to compensate for some glaring holes.
“NBA sources have long said to keep an eye on the Bucks and their future, particularly with Middleton, who will soon be 32 years old,” reported Matt Moore of The Action Network. “He has a player option this summer and is seeking that last, great, large contract. Teams will offer it if he chooses to explore his options. Despite coming off injuries, he showed what he was capable of late in the season, even in Game 5. If the Bucks feel they have to get younger and more athletic and can’t commit long-term, a key piece may be gone.”
It’s going to be a long summer in Milwaukee. They still have Giannis, so they will be competitive, but they will need to think carefully about their next steps, or everything they’ve built will come crashing down…
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