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How Long Will John Hammond Survive Under the New Regime?

By Paul Bressler

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It appears as though Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond has survived the tentative July 10 date that one source divulged to Dave Begel of OnMilwaukee.com in which head coach Jason Kidd was supposed to take the reigns.

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The report stated that Kidd would be taking over Hammond’s responsibilities, and it was unclear what Hammond’s new role would be within the organization.

There was also a good possibility the two would part ways. The probability of a move of this magnitude rested on the fact that Kidd had tried this once before and that there was reported friction on draft night.

Kidd made a well documented power play while with the Brooklyn Nets in which he tried to oust Nets gm, Billy King. The move ultimately failed and directly led to Kidd being traded to the Bucks for two second-round picks just over a year ago.

Larry Drew was subsequently fired following his first season as head coach of the Bucks. It was ugly then, and it could get just as ugly again.

Assuming that OnMilwaukee.com keeps accurate postings, the report was published on their website July 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The article was receiving very little play considering the significance of what was being said, but all that changed when the report was uploaded to their Facebook account at 8:19 p.m. and Twitter account at 8:22 p.m.

It’s odd, to say the least, that a publication would wait nearly an hour to promote a massive breaking story. Social media and breaking news typically work hand in hand.

It makes me wonder if they had it right in the first place. Maybe they were just trying to confirm their three sources especially since no one else had it but them. In this day and age, I’d be worried too.

That being said, OnMilwaukee.com wouldn’t put their entire credibility on the line for an uptick in traffic. No respected publication in their right mind would have such a lapse of ethical judgment without a greater cause in mind.

No reward could outweigh the catastrophic risk that would ensue in this scenario. Sacrificing that much credibility is not even an option, because few publications could withstand such a black mark.

That didn’t stop Bucks Vice President of Communications Jake Suski from completely refuting any such move was taking place a mere 20 minutes later.

Twelve minutes later, Suski cleared up any concern that Hammond was simply being reassigned to a different position within the organization since the report suggested it was a possibility.

Suski wasn’t the only one who felt compelled to speak on the report. Marc Lasry’s (co-owner) son and Bucks Vice President of Strategy and Operations Alexander Lasry offered his response 27 minutes after Suski’s original comments.

Kidd and Hammond spoke on the “non-issue” during a July 6 news conference that had been previously arranged to announce that the team would be hosting a 2015 preseason game at the Kohl Center for the first time since 1999.

"“I think sometimes sources can be wrong, media can be wrong, coaches can be wrong,” Kidd said. “With this report that came out yesterday, it was totally wrong.”"

Kidd went on to speak highly of Hammond and the opportunity he has afforded him to be the best coach he can be. Hammond echoed Kidd’s sentiments and added that it is Kidd’s hands on leadership that truly makes this team successful.

"“We’ve had a chance to be together a year now, and I can tell you how much I enjoy working with Jason,” Hammond said. “We have a good relationship in how we do our jobs.”"

Both men made it very clear they needed each other to succeed, and it was the primary reason they were not only able to turn the team around in such a short period of time but why they also have such a bright future ahead.

I’m not convinced.

This wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen two people in a position of power put on a facade especially when they both know they are gunning for the same job. At the very least this is something to keep a close eye on.

I don’t believe a journalist would put their livelihood on the line like that without the sources to confirm their story. There is too great a chance they would never work for a respected publication ever again.

There has got to be something to this story, and it shouldn’t be swept under the rug. This wasn’t a case of only having one source saying something off the cuff and a blogger running with it on their personal website.

Jan 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd reacts to a call against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

It should be noted the report was significantly altered at least five different times during the delayed backlash. That being said, the core information never changed. Kidd was taking over within the near future.

Kidd is firmly a part of the new regime while Hammond still has ties to a forgettable past. It may just be a matter of when not if.

Maybe the better question is, will Hammond receive the courtesy of seeing it coming or will Kidd and the owners blindside another employee/organization?

Next: Are The Milwaukee Bucks Right To Go All In On Youth?

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