The Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the playoffs this season but failed to continue after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the first round. The Bucks are now taking steps to overcome their playoff struggles. A recent report revealed that the Bucks have made a significant move by rejoining forces with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham.
Ham has agreed to become the top assistant coach for the Bucks’ head coach, Doc Rivers’ staff. This decision follows Ham’s departure from the Lakers. Ham was dismissed despite leading the team to a deep postseason run in 2023, ultimately falling in the conference finals to the Denver Nuggets.
During his tenure with the Lakers, he demonstrated his ability to guide a team through challenging playoff scenarios. Under his leadership, the Lakers went 94-70 and made it to the Western Conference finals in two seasons. Nevertheless, recently, Stephen A. Smith stirred the media, addressing Ham as the perfect head coach for the Lakers.
For Ham, this move is a homecoming of sorts. He played for the Bucks from 1999 to 2002 during his NBA career as a forward. Additionally, he served as an assistant coach for the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer from 2018 to 2022. His familiarity with the team, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, will likely facilitate a smooth transition into his new role.
Darvin Ham Declines Phoenix Suns’ Offer
Darvin Ham reportedly garnered significant interest from multiple teams for a top assistant coaching position this offseason.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Phoenix Suns’ head coach, Budenholzer, made a concerted effort to convince Ham to join the Suns. Yet, the former Lakers head coach declined the opportunity with the Suns.
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“League sources say Budenholzer made a run at trying to convince Darvin Ham to join his staff in Phoenix, but Ham — fired as Lakers coach on May 3 — is said to have understandably passed after two exacting seasons in Lakerland,” Stein reported.
While the Lakers are yet to find their next coach, Ham returns to a place where he experienced significant success. As an assistant coach with the Bucks, Ham played a crucial role in their 2021 NBA Championship victory.
