NBA Free Agency: Grading This Offseason's 9 Head Coach Hirings So Far

Milwaukee Bucks - Mike Budenholzer to replace Jason Kidd, Joe Prunty

Mike Budenholzer

being

introduced as the new Bucks head coach

Past experience: Budenholzer served as an assistant for the Spurs from 1996 to 2013, being part of four championships. He was the head coach for the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018. Including this past rebuilding season, he finished with an overall head coaching record of 213 - 197. He led them to the Conference Finals in the 2014-15 season, was named Coach of the Year in 2015, and was the Eastern Conference All-Star head coach in 2015.

How will he fit: Along with Casey, Budenholzer is one of the most successful head coaches that were available this offseason. He has championship experience with his 16-17 years with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich, and he is a proven head coach during his time with the Hawks. If we exclude this past season where the Hawks were under rebuild, Budenholzer had an overall record of 189-139.

The Bucks are in need of a winning coach, and I believe they got the best fit of any team searching for coaches this offseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks do have talent but were unable to go deep into the playoffs. Budenholzer will have the talent to help take them further than they have gone since becoming playoff contenders.

Jason Kidd did a good job of bringing the team from rebuilding to a playoff team, now it's up to Budenholzer to take them to the next step. He should be able to do so with all of his experience and accolades he has accumulated over the years.

Grade: A