Following the conclusion of the Milwaukee Bucks' season, many wondered whether or not Jon Horst was safe in the front office. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), there "has naturally been speculation" about Horst's status with the Bucks, adding that he was likely safe. That was before the Bucks hired Taylor Jenkins to be their next coach. With him in town, Horst is undoubtedly safe.
Horst is sticking around, in all likelihood
The Milwaukee Bucks aren't letting Horst pick their coach and then cutting ties with him. It would be a flat-out baffling decision that would show some serious disconnect within the organization. Horst had a say in this hiring, in all likelihood, something that may not have been as prominent in the past. If the plan is to get Milwaukee back on the right track, management and ownership need to align entirely.
Some will groan at Horst returning, but considering he still has two years left on his deal, it shouldn't be too surprising. The former Executive of the Year has made some poor moves, notably with most of his draft picks, but he's still capable of doing well. This is the general manager who signed players like Ryan Rollins and Cormac Ryan while trading for Kevin Porter Jr. and Ousmane Dieng.
Not all of his moves have worked out—looking at the haunting Jae Crowder deal—but he has put a championship-level roster on the floor previously. With a replenished asset stash at his disposal in the summer, the Milwaukee Bucks desperately need him to do the same once again. This team needs more trades that worked out like the Jrue Holiday or P.J. Tucker ones did.
Horst must overcome haunting narrative this summer
For Horst to truly start winning over his doubters, he needs to nail Milwaukee's draft pick this summer. For years, Horst has whiffed on pick after pick. The team's last three selections aren't even on the team right now. For a team that hasn't had a lot of roster flexibility, this has plagued the Bucks for years. Set to have a high pick in a loaded class, Jon Horst needs a win badly.
If Horst trades the pick for a star—a strategy he has adopted plenty of times in recent years—it must be for a clear-cut difference-maker. The Damian Lillard deal didn't work out as planned and could haunt this team for years to come. If Horst gets aggressive again and starts dangling Milwaukee's future in discussions, he needs to get someone who can elevate this team immediately.
For the time being, it looks like Horst will remain with the Bucks as one of their top decision-makers.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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