With the 2023-24 NBA regular season nearing an end, it was only a matter of time before former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer popped up in the news again.
Teams will be making coaching changes very soon, and it appears that one Eastern Conference team is moving quickly to find its next leading voice. According to The Athletic NBA insider Shams Charania (subscription required), Budenholzer is a finalist for the Brooklyn Nets coaching opening alongside Sacramento associate head coach Jordi Fernandez and Phoenix associate head coach Kevin Young.
Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer could be back in the NBA soon
Budenholzer would make sense for the Brooklyn Nets or any other team trying to take the next step.
When he came to the Bucks back in 2018, it was clear that the team had talent, but they needed a voice to help them get to the next level. Of course, it helped that they had a generational talent in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Bud helped mold a formidable defense that propelled this team to the top of the standings year after year and helped them make several deep playoff runs.
While not many other teams have a Giannis Antetokounmpo type of player, Budenholzer could help them rise like he did for Milwaukee. Though he had his well-documented faults, Bud was still a good coach, so much so that he has two Coach of the Year awards and a title to his name. It didn't work in Milwaukee long-term, but he could undoubtedly breathe fresh air into a franchise.
The Brooklyn Nets would be an interesting choice for Budenholzer. With pieces like Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson, among others, they have plenty of young talent and could be a piece away from making some noise in the East. A championship-winning coach like Budenholzer could certainly help them in that regard.
Only time will tell if Budenholzer makes the cut for this job or keeps his options open, as he will more than likely be the hottest name on the market this NBA off-season. It would be flat-out stunning if the two-time Coach of the Year is not on the sidelines somewhere to begin next season.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.