In a significant reshuffling of their coaching lineup, the Milwaukee Bucks have released assistant coaches DJ Bakker, Sidney Dobner, and Josh Oppenheimer, as confirmed by Eric Nehm of The Athletic and initially reported by Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report. This move comes in the wake of a broader reorganization within the team’s coaching staff following the mid-season coaching handover from Adrian Griffin to current head coach Doc Rivers.
Rivers, who took over the reins in January, has since introduced several new assistant coaches to the Bucks, swelling the ranks of the coaching team. With these latest departures, the Bucks coaching staff now comprises seven assistants, noted by Nehm: among them, Dave Joerger, Rex Kalamian, Joe Prunty, Patrick Mutombo, Vin Baker, Trevor Gleeson, and Pete Dominguez. As the NBA sees new head coaches setting up their respective staffs, further adjustments to the Bucks’ coaching lineup may be anticipated ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Aside from staffing changes, the Bucks are gearing up for a critical offseason under Coach Rivers. Unlike last year, Rivers has dismissed the idea of taking an immediate break post-season, signaling his eagerness to jump into preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
“This summer is a very important summer for us. I have a lot of work to do,” Rivers commented, highlighting the proactive steps the team is taking to ensure they enter next season in top form.
The team’s prospects also look promising, with all core players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and recent addition Damian Lillard, under contract. This stability is a significant shift from the last offseason’s uncertainties, which Antetokounmpo believes will allow the team to focus on strategic planning and cohesion.
Furthermore, Antetokounmpo shared plans to spend quality time with teammate Lillard in Portland during the offseason, emphasizing the importance of building relationships off the court. This connection and mutual understanding among teammates are pivotal as the Bucks aim to fine-tune their squad dynamics.
In related news, the Bucks’ Patrick Beverley addressed an incident during the last game of the season involving Pacers fans, where his reaction led to a four-game suspension by the NBA. Beverley expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that his actions, prompted by a provocative remark from a fan, were inexcusable.
As the Bucks navigate through these coaching adjustments and player developments, the team is laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a successful and eventful run in the 2024/25 NBA season.