Joe Prunty did a nice job taking over the Milwaukee Bucks at the interim that one would think he has plenty of NBA head coaching experience. But the fact of the matter is Prunty has never been a head coach in his career, a revelation that surprised even superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Prunty took over as the Bucks’ interim head coach after Adrian Griffin’s shocking firing. He coached for three games until Saturday when the team took on the New Orleans Pelicans and dominated 141-117, earning him a 2-1 record during that span.
With Doc Rivers now set to take over the Bucks as their new head coach starting Monday against the Denver Nuggets, Prunty’s interim coaching stint also comes to an end.
When asked about his thoughts on Prunty on Saturday following their win over the Pelicans, Antetokounmpo had the highest of praises for the veteran assistant coach. The Greek Freak highlighted that there’s no doubt the 54-year-old has what it takes to lead an NBA team. With that said, Antetokounmpo found it “crazy” Prunty has never gotten that chance yet.
“It’s crazy that he’s never been a head coach in this league. It’s insane,” Antetokounmpo shared, per Gabe Stoltz of Brew Hoop.
Considering Prunty’s experience, Antetokounmpo has every reason to be shocked about the lack of opportunities for the coach.
Joe Prunty’s Coaching Experience With Milwaukee Bucks and Others
Joe Prunty has been in the NBA for nearly 30 years now after starting his coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs, during which he won two titles as an assistant under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich.
Prunty has since jumped from team to team after that, serving as an assistant coach for teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.
Before being named as the Milwaukee Bucks’ interim head coach this 2023-24, he had served as an interim head coach in two prior instances. Back in 2018 when he was with Milwaukee as well, Prunty took over from Jason Kidd after his firing.
In the 2022-23 season when he was with the Atlanta Hawks, Prunty also served as interim head coach after Nate McMillan was fired.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Prunty after Doc Rivers’ takeover. But sure enough, Giannis Antetokounmpo will always be supportive of him.
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