In the aftermath of the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks’ stunning upset loss to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the opening round of the playoffs, the franchise may be preparing to make a significant change in leadership.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, head coach Mike Budenholzer could be on the chopping block in Milwaukee after the team came up woefully short of expectations this season.
“There are questions across the organization, locker room, throughout this franchise about his status moving forward,” Charania said via The Rally.
Budenholzer has two years remaining on his contract with the Bucks, but despite leading the team to an NBA title only two seasons ago, a revamped ownership group may be ready to move on. Milwaukee’s loss in the playoffs wasn’t ordinary, and negative vibes surrounding the team may only improve if there’s some turnover within the organization.
Charania categorized the situation as the “first big decision” on the plate of co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam.
“I think overall, there’s a feeling of shock, feeling of embarrassment among players because this is not where this season was supposed to end,” Charania said.
Charania indicated that many are pointing the finger at Budenholzer for failing to make defensive adjustments against Jimmy Butler, who averaged 37.6 points over the five games against the Bucks.
After the Heat eliminated the Bucks, star Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke about the team’s lack of adjustments, particularly against Butler, adding that he wished he had a more prominent role in stopping him.
