After being let go by the Los Angeles Lakers a few months ago, Darvin Ham is now back on the scene as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. Among those who have shared their thoughts on this move is no other than NBA legend Magic Johnson.
In 2022, Ham took the helm as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after the team decided not to renew Frank Vogel’s contract. Vogel had previously led a LeBron James-led team to the championship in 2020.
Ham’s inaugural season as head coach saw the Lakers finish the regular season with a record of 43 wins and 39 losses. Despite going through the Play-In Tournament, the team made a deep playoff run, reaching the Western Conference Finals where they faced the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the by the Nikola Jokic-led team, who eventually went on to win the NBA Finals.
This season, the Lakers once again found themselves in the Play-In Tournament, only to meet the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. After a five-game series, the Lakers were eliminated, with a lack of trust in Ham cited as one of the factors contributing to their disappointing performance. As a result, he was relieved of his coaching duties, and the team is now searching for his replacement while James contemplates his player option for the upcoming year.
Magic Johnson Drops Honest Take on Milwaukee Bucks Hiring Darvin Ham as Assistant Coach
During the offseason, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers purged the team’s coaching staff to make way for his own preferences. Among those who have been hired is Ham, prompting Lakers legend Magic Johnson to react to this development.
“I’m so happy that my friend and Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers has named former Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham as his new Top Assistant!” Johnson tweeted.
Before he took on the top job in Los Angeles, Ham spent four seasons as an assistant coach for Milwaukee from 2018 to 2022. Now, he’ll be back in a familiar setting helping Rivers coach two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.
Rivers and Ham have a full offseason of preparing the team for the upcoming campaign. Hopefully, the latter will bring all the lessons he learned in LA to help the Bucks contend next season.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.