When Mike Budenholzer stepped in as the new head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, he became just the second head coach superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had played for in the NBA, not counting interim head coach Joe Prunty. While it has been reported that Antetokounmpo was notoriously fond of former head coach Jason Kidd, the young player recently opened up about his experiences playing for the two coaches.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes about the issue of load management, Antetokounmpo touched on some differences:
“It’s tough. It was tough, but that’s not happening this year,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was used to [former Bucks coach] Jason Kidd. He was breaking us down, but I was happy about it. I think I was the only one that was embracing that. I came from nothing and worked hard every day. That’s what I was used to.
“Having Jason Kidd was fun. Obviously, we didn’t break through from the first round, but it’s different. Like, if this is the middle, Jason Kidd was right here and Mike Bud is way over there [in coaching philosophy]. They’re totally different. Mike Bud wants you to rest, he wants you to stay with your family, but the day we work out, he wants you to be there and he wants you to give everything.”
Clearly, Antetokounmpo still seems to hold Kidd in high regard, as his praise for the coach is still to be found years after having worked with him. While the two coaches may have different philosophies, Budenholzer’s method and building seem to have had a major effect, as the Bucks made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals in his first season as coach.
Plus, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first MVP award. Clearly, Bud is doing something right with his superstar.
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