"Gonna have a major role when they fire him, too" - NBA fans react to news of Giannis Antetokounmpo's involvement in bringing Darvin Ham back

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly played a major role in his team rehiring ex-LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham as an assistant coach. However, NBA fans are skeptical whether the move will pay off, given the Bucks' tumultuous 2023-24 season.

Despite Ham having a 90-74 record, the Lakers fired him on May 3 after only two seasons. The move came after he faced constant criticism for his coaching schemes and inability to make in-game adjustments.

However, on June 10, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Ham latched on as an assistant under veteran coach Doc Rivers with Milwaukee, his former employer. Ham previously spent four years as an assistant under ex-Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer from 2018 to 2022, winning the 2021 NBA championship.

On Wednesday, league insider Gery Woelfel provided a further update on Ham's hiring, highlighting how Antetokounmpo influenced Milwaukee's decision.

"I recently chatted with a few NBA sources since ex-Lakers head coach Darvin Ham joined the Bucks' staff. They were adamant in saying Giannis Antetokounmpo had major input in Ham’s hiring (shocking, eh?)," Woelfel said.

During Ham's initial Bucks tenure, he and Antetokounmpo worked closely together, forming a strong bond. Upon the Lakers hiring Ham in 2022, the two-time MVP congratulated him, praising his coaching chops.

"I'm so happy for him. He’s the right fit for them," Antetokounmpo said. "He keeps it real with you. No BS at all. It’s about damn time. He deserves it more than anyone."

However, Antetokounmpo was also reportedly heavily involved in the interview process that landed Milwaukee rookie head coach Adrian Griffin last offseason. Griffin was fired 43 games into his first season despite boasting a 30-13 record, getting replaced by Rivers on Jan. 26.

So, NBA fans on X/Twitter weren't too optimistic about Darvin Ham's chances of lasting with the Bucks long-term.

"Oh, God. [The] same one that had a role in bringing in Griffin and getting him fired after 20 games, LOL," @flythonia said.

"He’s gonna have a major role when they fire him, too," @_CurryWrld said.

Many also questioned Antetokounmpo's decision-making, suggesting he is setting Milwaukee up for failure.

"Giannis is horrible at front office decision-making. Tell him just leave it all on the court," @BronGotGame said.

"Why is Giannis destroying his own chances??" @Sudharsan_ak said.

However, some were more understanding of the report, citing the eight-time All-Star's possible discontentment with Rivers.

"Had to deal with Doc Rivers for half a season and wanted that old thang back. Understandable," @shaun_forde said.

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Darvin Ham reportedly eyeing to succeed Doc Rivers as Bucks coach

Continuing in his report about Milwaukee hiring Darvin Ham as an assistant coach, Gery Woelfel added that Ham is aiming to be Doc Rivers' eventual successor.

"Some of those same sources also contend Ham, who had offers from several other teams, took the Bucks job with the assumption he’ll eventually succeed Doc Rivers as the Bucks' head coach," Woelfel said.

Rivers has only coached the Bucks for half a season thus far. Nevertheless, the team underperformed, going 17-19 before bowing out in Round 1 of the playoffs with an injury-riddled roster.

The 2008 champion will likely be given at least one more season to try to guide a full-strength Milwaukee team back to title contention. However, if he fails to do so, it appears Darvin Ham could be first in line to replace him.

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