The Milwaukee Bucks may have had the NBA’s best record and the number one seed in the Eastern Conference, but all of that means nothing after their embarrassing series loss to the Miami Heat in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. After the series loss, many have wondered about the status of head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Bucks have achieved the number one seed in the Eastern Conference three times in five seasons under Budenholzer, but have failed to make the NBA Finals in any of those seasons. This latest disappointment could spell the end of the controversial head coach in Milwaukee.
Mike Budenholzer’s Status with the Milwaukee Bucks Is Shaky
In a recent article posted by The Athletic, Shams Charania wrote:
“Many questions are swirling around the Milwaukee Bucks after their shocking first-round exit. Among them, Brook Lopez will be a free agent this offseason, and Khris Middleton can become a free agent if he declines his player option.
“But the biggest question of all may involve their head coach.
“I’m told Mike Budenholzer’s status with the Bucks is shaky after the team’s five-game loss to the Heat. A lack of coaching adjustments, especially defensively, seems to be the main reason for the uncertainty.
“Budenholzer, of course, is a championship coach, leading Milwaukee to the title in 2021. But the Bucks have finished with the NBA’s best record and failed to make the finals three times during his five-year tenure.
“Budenholzer has two years and $16 million remaining on his contract, sources tell me. This situation is one certainly worth watching as the playoffs continue.”
The Bucks face a great deal of decisions to make this offseason in terms of their players. Khris Middleton has a player option, but others will be free agents. If the team is to make more finals runs with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they need to have a head coach that can get the most out of the roster.
It does not seem like Mike Budenholzer is that guy anymore.
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