Taylor Jenkins helped turn a young, inexperienced Memphis Grizzlies core into a strong, fearsome opponent in the Western Conference for several years. Perhaps the head coach could do the same for the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that could be heading in a youth-driven direction this summer as rumors persist about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future.
Bucks could be switching up the formula this summer
Nothing is set in stone, but two things appear to be trending toward reality this summer. The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo are potentially gearing up for a split, and the team is likely to move on from Doc Rivers after two and a half disastrous seasons. In both scenarios, bringing in Jenkins to be the next head coach makes plenty of sense.
While the regular season is still ongoing, Jenkins has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks courtesy of NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required). Stein reports that Jenkins has emerged "as a likely prime candidate" if the Bucks have a coaching opening this summer. Jenkins' ties to Milwaukee, where he was an assistant in 2018-19, could certainly factor in.
If Giannis does depart and Jenkins is hired, the focus will fully be on trying to turn what would be an inexperienced but potential-filled squad into a contender, just like Jenkins did in Memphis. Despite the youth, Jenkins had a positive record in all but two of his six seasons with the Grizzlies, including seasons with 56 and 51 wins. Jenkins knows how to get the best out of youth.
Perhaps he could do it with a retooled Milwaukee Bucks squad.
Bucks could have nice foundation after the season
Sure, if Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded, the Bucks become far less appealing for any coach on the hunt for their next job. However, this team could still have some nice pieces.
Of course, there is Ryan Rollins, who should be the Most Improved Player in the NBA this season and whose rise to stardom is just getting started. AJ Green is a steady marksman. If the Bucks were to trade Giannis to Miami, they'd get pieces like Tyler Herro, a former All-Star, and Kel'el Ware, a rising center, to work with. The Bucks will also have a lottery pick, which could land them a talented piece.
The Memphis gig wasn't exactly the most appealing when Jenkins took it in 2019. Yet, it was Jenkins who embraced the challenge and helped turn that squad into a contender. The Milwaukee Bucks will certainly be looking for someone to do the same if they fire Doc Rivers and begin the search for their next coach.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.