When it comes to coaching in the NBA, it’s what have you done for us lately?

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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on during game against the Washington Wizards, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Washington. Two years after leading the Bucks to an NBA championship he’s out as Milwaukee’s head coach. | Jess Rapfogel, Associated Press

Only two years ago, coach Mike Budenholzer led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship. It was the Bucks’ first title since 1971. Only two coaches have ever won a championship with the Bucks.

The Bucks were so grateful that they fired him this month.

Only two years ago, Monty Williams took the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, where they lost to Budenholzer’s Bucks. One year ago, Williams was named Coach of the Year after the Suns won a league-best 64 games. The year before Williams became coach, the Suns won a league-worst 19 games to complete their fourth straight losing season. Williams was fired Saturday after his team was defeated in the conference semifinals for the second straight year.

This probably won’t surprise you: NBA coaches have the shelf life of guacamole. Even good ones.

Budenholzer was a good sport about it. He wrote a thank-you letter to Milwaukee and to the team.

“The city of Milwaukee and the entire Bucks organization took us in and treated us like we were part of their own family,” he wrote.

Then they didn’t and kicked them out of the family.

As the NBA playoffs progress toward the championship finals, the coaches know one thing is uncertain. Even if they win a championship, they aren’t going to be around long. They’re just buying time — so they can be fired later.

In the NBA, it’s what have you done for us lately?

When the Bucks exited the playoffs in the first round this year, the rest was fait accompli. Budenholzer was fired. He had a won-lost record of 271-120 and five division championships. In his worst season he was 46-26. In his last season he was 58-24, a 70.7 winning percentage and the best in the NBA.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/comes-coaching-nba-done-us-193000031.html?src=rss

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2023-05-15 19:30:00

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