Former LeBron James teammate shouts out Darvin Ham for winning back-to-back NBA Cups

Former LeBron James teammate Kendrick Perkins gave a special shout-out to Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham on Tuesday. Perkins’ praise came after the Bucks secured a dominant 97-81 victory over the OKC Thunder, clinching the NBA Cup trophy at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Perkins, who played alongside LeBron on the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 and 2018, acknowledged Ham’s impressive achievement of winning his second consecutive NBA Cup title.

"Most impressive win of the season for the Bucks. Giannis completed dominated in great fashion," Perkins tweeted. "Shoutout to Coach Ham on being a back to back NBA CUP Champion."

Last season, Ham guided the Lakers to victory in the inaugural edition of the NBA’s in-season tournament. This year, the former Detroit Pistons player added another NBA Cup to his resume as a member of Doc Rivers’ coaching staff.

Despite leading the Lakers to the NBA Cup last year, Ham was dismissed by the franchise after the team’s early exit in the first round of the 2023-24 playoffs. Notably, while the Lakers triumphed under Ham’s leadership, it was LeBron James who earned the MVP honors for his stellar performance throughout the competition.

Now with the Bucks, Ham boasts an unblemished 14-0 record in NBA Cup games, solidifying his reputation as a proven winner in the in-season tournament format.

Doc Rivers use Darvin Ham's experience

After clinching the NBA Cup title, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers drew on assistant coach Darvin Ham's experience as a former in-season tournament champion. Following the game, Rivers shared that he consulted with Ham on how to celebrate the victory and ultimately decided to forgo the traditional champagne dousing and drinking.

"Bucks coach Doc Rivers told me after talking with Darvin Ham and his experience with Lakers last season, they chose not to celebrate The Cup championship with dousing and drinking of champagne," NBA insider Chris Haynes tweeted. "Want to focus on the remainder of the season."

Darvin Ham, meanwhile, remained focused on the ultimate goal of securing the NBA championship, even after playing a key role in the Bucks’ 2024 NBA Cup victory.