With the Milwaukee Bucks inundated with rumors on a variety of issues, including the treatment of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team also needed to choose a new head coach. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Bucks have found Taylor Jenkins as their next head coach after Doc Rivers stepped down from the position. Jenkins previously held the same post with the Memphis Grizzlies.
“BREAKING: The Milwaukee Bucks and Taylor Jenkins are closing a deal to make Jenkins the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell me and [Ramona Shelburne]. Jenkins, a Bucks assistant in 2018-19, had a 250-214 record and reached the playoffs three times in six seasons in Memphis, according to Charania’s X post.
As Charania stated, Jenkins is familiar with the Bucks organization, having worked as an assistant coach with Milwaukee from 2018 to 2019 before taking over as the Grizzlies’ head coach for six years. Now he embarks on the following stage of his coaching career as the team is in turmoil, coping with the ambiguity surrounding Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks considered Taylor Jenkins to be their “top target”.
There’s no disputing that the Bucks considered hiring Jenkins before, so the decision might not be so unexpected to supporters. Jenkins had a successful record in his time with Memphis in rebuilding that franchise, and he intends to repeat that feat in Milwaukee, which may be rebuilt following a probable trade of Antetokounmpo in the summer.
According to Charania, Jenkins was viewed as the Bucks’ “top target,” possessing several qualities that might benefit the club
.
“Jenkins was considered the greatest available commodity in the NBA coaching landscape, and his track record in player development, time as a culture-setter, and ability to promote competitiveness made him the Bucks’ top target. According to sources, the Bucks’ management, including ownership, met with Jenkins in person last week in Memphis and again on Tuesday in Milwaukee to ensure his commitment.
Regardless, Jenkins will now lead Milwaukee and seek to improve on a 32-50 record that placed them 11th in the Eastern Conference.
