For weeks now, rumors have been looming in the background that Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst could be on his way out.
The Detroit Pistons have been linked as a prominent suitor, with Milwaukee's Central Division rival holding an interest in luring away the Michigan native for their president of basketball operations opening. It was reported by Marc Stein (subscription required) that the Pistons were going to ask Milwaukee for permission to interview Horst, giving the Bucks a chance to say yes or no.
In his latest news drop, Stein (subscription required) reports that the Bucks did not grant Detroit permission to interview Horst, signaling that they want to keep the former Executive of the Year.
Bucks make massive decision on general manager's future with the franchise
It is somewhat surprising that the Bucks did not allow Horst to speak to the Pistons, especially with Stein reporting that the general manager may have had some interest in doing so. Horst has done a lot of good for the Milwaukee Bucks, but with the team's roster holes apparent over the past couple of years, it felt like it might be time to change.
An important element in this decision could be that the Bucks have been longing for continuity. After bringing in Damian Lillard days before camp this past season and adding a new coach in Doc Rivers in the middle of the year, the team hasn't had much stability with their vital cogs. Letting Jon Horst walk would force the team to go through a new search and force even more change.
Horst will now seemingly head into the off-season with his top three players and coach all secured, helping establish some continuity.
To get the best out of the Milwaukee Bucks, Horst must update his line of thinking compared to that of the past few years. He's typically brought in seasoned veterans, such as players like Jae Crowder and Serge Ibaka, who were just a tad past their primes and ultimately failed to help out much. Now, his focus should be youth and especially athleticism.
It should be a busy off-season for Jon Horst and co. as they aim to retool this Milwaukee roster.
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