Some are stunned that the Milwaukee Bucks hired Taylor Jenkins just as the NBA Playoffs began. However, for a team that desperately needed to nail its next hiring after the Doc Rivers debacle over the last several years, this was a great move. By hiring Jenkins now, the Bucks have taken away what could be the best coaching candidate on the market this summer from other interested suitors.
Bucks just picked up the coach everyone else may have wanted
Prior to this move, the Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Chicago Bulls were the teams looking for a new coach. As the playoffs move forward, though, more openings are bound to arise. If the Bucks waited and underwent a widespread search, they knew they could lose out on Jenkins as openings popped up, which may have left them scrambling.
There were rumors swirling that other teams had their eye on Jenkins. Per Jake Fischer (subscription required), there had been whispers for months that the Washington Wizards had interest in Jenkins if they parted ways with Brian Keefe. Had the Bucks not made this move as soon as they did, a team like the Wizards could have swooped him up.
Losing Jenkins in the process wasn't a risk Milwaukee was willing to take.
It's a justifiable stance. Adding arguably the best available coach was why the Bucks initiated a "full-court press," as described by The Athletic's Eric Nehm and Sam Amick (subscription required), and kicked their offseason off on the right foot. Now, there will be no confusion or uncertainty. The Bucks have their guy. Everyone else can cross him off their wishlist.
Bucks can check one objective off their summer to-do list
By figuring out their coaching situation so early, the Milwaukee Bucks can now turn their attention to the big elephant in the room: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Does the hiring of Jenkins alone sway the star forward to stay? Likely not, but it does give him some clarity as to who he would be working with next season and beyond.
The same holds true for draft targets, free agent options, and trade candidates. Knowing who the coach will be makes Milwaukee far more enticing. Once this team gets things sorted out with their superstar—whether that means trading him or keeping him—the Bucks can figure out what direction they want to go in moving forward.
Whether they contend or rebuild/retool, Jenkins is someone who can lead them to success.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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