The Milwaukee Bucks dominated NBA news headlines when they announced their shocking decision to part ways with now-ex-head coach Mike Budenholzer a couple of months ago. There’s no denying that the Bucks had an ultimately disappointing campaign under Coach Bud this past season, but more than a few folks were still taken by surprise by Milwaukee opting to completely cut ties with the former Coach of the Year.
For the time being, Budenholzer remains jobless. Given his credentials, though, it shouldn’t take long before he finds his next coaching gig. If he’s hired as a head coach, then this would be his third team in the NBA following stints with the Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks, where it all began for the long-time Gregg Popovich assistant.
Mike Budenholzer Once Stood Up For Dennis Schroder
Before joining the Bucks in 2018, it was in Atlanta where Budenholzer made his head coaching debut. He spent the first five years of his career with the Hawks, where he would form lasting bonds with both his peers and his players. One of them is Los Angeles Lakers veteran Dennis Schroder, who entered the NBA as the No. 17 pick of the Hawks way back in 2013. Incidentally, that was also Coach Bud’s first season with the Hawks.
Schroder remembers that season well. One particular incident that stands out for the 29-year-old is when Budenholzer once saved him from total embarrassment. Apparently, Coach Bud’s actions have stuck Schroder through the years:
“I had to carry a pink backpack,” Schroder said describing the rookie treatment he got from his Hawks teammates, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “Coach Bud, he is so traditional, he was like, ‘Cut this s— out. You can’t embarrass a man. … Do whatever you guys want him to do, let him get doughnuts or whatever, but don’t embarrass him.'”
It has been a full decade since Budenholzer stood up for Schroder, but it is clear that the latter still remembers the incident like it happened yesterday.
How Dennis Schroder’s Free Agency Decision Could Impact Milwaukee Bucks
Talking about Dennis Schroder, the 6-foot-3 combo guard’s looming NBA free agency decision could have an impact on the Bucks’ plans for the upcoming season. According to reports, the Lakers want to retain the services of Schroder, but at the same time, their salary cap limitations might lead to the German national moving on to greener pastures.
Wisconsin Sports Heroics earlier reported that the Lakers have shown interest in Bucks guard Jevon Carter, who himself is also set to be a free agent on Friday. If Schroder jumps ship in LA, then the Lakers could turn to Carter as a potential replacement, thereby leaving the Bucks with a gaping hole to fill in their backcourt.
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