The NBA is becoming an increasingly impatient kingdom where the ruling owners harshly overlook the recent accomplishments of their “fall guy” head coaches. That is not jarring for anyone who followed the George Steinbrenner New York Yankees or are familiar with soccer's wild coaching carousel. But the firing of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer is harder to decipher in this era.
The No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference was ousted by the Miami Heat in five games in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs after enduring injury problems, multiple fourth-quarter collapses and the postseason powers of Jimmy Butler. It was considered a disappointment by all and a failure by (ahem) most. Even so, the franchise's 2021 NBA Championship was supposed to earn Budenholzer plenty of good faith.
It did not. His firing is especially confusing given what has since come to light. Budenholzer's brother died in a car accident right before Game 4 of the series. There could be more to come out of this story, but the initial optics are devastating for the organization. I guess the “no failure in sports, steps to success” argument did not apply to the two-time Coach of the Year.
Relax, this is not a hit piece on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even non-Bucks fans can remember that Budenholzer was on the hot seat before their title run, suffering upset losses in multiple past postseasons. Though, this felt like the most excusable pitfall given all of the circumstances.
Despite a lengthy prelude, this is not the time to sort out this firing. A new man in charge will emerge soon enough. There are multiple candidates that are deserving of the opportunity, but it is imperative that the organization brings in a coach who will meet their lofty expectations when it matters most. Otherwise, this decision will age as terribly as a recent press conference (I'm a Giannis guy I swear).
Here are the three best head coaching candidates the Bucks must hire after firing Mike Budenholzer.
1. Nick Nurse
Milwaukee is not looking to hit the reset button. Many consider Antetokounmpo to be the best player in the league. This is a group still able to contend for titles. The new head coach will reflect that timetable and be someone who can comfortably step in and take an already talented team to the next level. Nick Nurse is the only legitimate candidate who fits that key criteria.
Furthermore, he has experience dealing with polarizing and awkward regime changes. Nurse took over for the then-reigning Coach of the Year Dwane Casey and helped guide the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in franchise history in 2019. The Kawhi Leonard factor can't be ignored, but while he load managed during the regular season (60 games), Nurse fortified a strong supporting cast that blossomed to their exceedingly bright potential.
The Bucks have already gotten over the hump. They just need someone to bring them back there. And Nick Nurse needs a fresh start after a tough end in Toronto. They are both coming out of somewhat controversial divorces, but this pairing could help both parties bounce back in a huge way.
2. Charles Lee (Bucks)
Associate head coach Charles Lee will be the popular choice and early favorite to land the job. He has been an NBA assistant for a long time and with the Bucks since 2018. Lee has earned an opportunity to man the sidelines somewhere, so why not with the team he helped win a championship? The only reason would be loyalty.
Budenholzer's mentorship is why he is not No. 1 on this list. Lee's NBA coaching journey started under Budenholzer's staff on the Atlanta Hawks in 2014. The two have worked together for nearly a decade. Succeeding him might not be an easy decision to make.
That is not to guilt-trip Lee by any means, but it would just be short-sighted to completely rule out the potential impact the death of Budenholzer's brother could have on this situation. If the former Bucknell great is hired, though, Milwaukee should be able to seamlessly move forward into next season.
Charles Lee appears to have the respect of his peers and the locker room. He knows the strengths of his guys and how dangerous they can be as a unit. Players would not have to worry about adjusting to a new voice because Lee has been alongside them throughout this up-and-down journey.
3. Sam Cassell (Sixers assistant)
Sam Cassell has paid his dues and then some. His name often comes up when there is a vacancy, and this time should be no different. He has been a trusted confidante of head coach Doc Rivers dating back to his days with the Los Angeles Clippers and has been working a lot with Tyrese Maxey on the Philadelphia 76ers.
The former All-Star point guard fits the mold of a modern head coach and could bring a new perspective to Milwaukee. He has been surrounded by Hall of Famers and great basketball minds throughout his 30 years in the NBA. Is it luck or the company Cassell attracts?
I'm willing to bet it is the ladder. And the Bucks might, too.
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