The Milwaukee Bucks are headed back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years after Saturday’s thrilling Game 7 victory.
Although they are still in the midst of a playoff run, this team has been shrouded in coaching rumors for the past several weeks. Head coach Mike Budenholzer’s job has been at the forefront of all speculation, but new reporting suggests he could have done himself a massive favor following the first two rounds of this postseason.
More from Bucks Rumors
- Bucks’ Thanasis Antetokounmpo reveals he nearly joined a different team
- NBA Rumors: Bucks eyeing young combo guard with one roster spot left
- NBA Rumors: Bucks attended a workout for former first round draft pick
- NBA Free Agency Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks targeting sharpshooting wing
- Important Milwaukee Bucks’ rumors on day 2 of 2023 NBA Free Agency
Of course, the Bucks exorcised their postseason demons from a year ago by dominating the Miami Heat in round one with a clean sweep and just showed their resiliency in the semifinals by digging themselves out of any 0-2 hole against the Brooklyn Nets to win in seven games.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier today on NBA Countdown that Budenholzer’s future with the team is seemingly growing more secure. Transcribed by RealGM:
"“Mike Budenholzer knew coming into this season that his future in Milwaukee would be judged by his postseason performance,” said Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Countdown on Sunday. “He’s gone through Miami and now he’s gone through the Brooklyn Nets into the Eastern Conference Finals. I’m told that has gone a long way in securing Mike Budenholzer’s future in Milwaukee. He has one year left on his contract.”"
Rumors will continue swirling about Mike Budenholzer’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks throughout the NBA Playoffs
This Budenholzer news comes just days after rumors flared about Rick Carlisle’s fit and potential interest in Milwaukee’s head coaching vacancy had it become available. Carlisle parted ways with the Dallas Mavericks recently after spending the previous 13 seasons as their head coach, and the connections to Milwaukee immediately began looming.
Of course, those rumors regarding Carlisle and any other coach for that matter will now die down for the foreseeable future. With this latest reporting from Wojnarowski and with the Bucks patiently waiting to see who they will face in the Eastern Conference Finals with a legitimate chance to make a run at a championship, this team is all in on Budenholzer right now.
Yet, despite winning these first two matchups against top-heavy opponents, Budenholzer’s future with the franchise should not be set in stone just yet. Budenholzer has undoubtedly had his share of head-scratching moments throughout the first 11 games of these playoffs, and another dreadful collapse in the postseason would have to make the organization reconsider his status as head coach without question.
At this point in time, Budenholzer has certainly raised his coaching stock after the first two rounds of the playoffs. Although there are unquestionably still flaws in his coaching at various times, this team could not ask to be in a better position right now as they are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time since Budenholzer took over.
Time will tell what is in store for the Bucks over the next several weeks as they compete to make a run at their first title in over five decades. Winning would go a long way for Budenholzer’s future with the franchise when this season concludes, but it remains to be seen whether he and the Bucks can ultimately deliver.
With their championship window wide open for the taking, all eyes are on Budenholzer and the Bucks in these playoffs.