The Impact of Coach Budenholzer's Firing on the Milwaukee Bucks' Future

On Thursday afternoon, following their stunning playoff first-round loss against Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks fired Coach Mike Budenholzer two years after leading them to their first NBA title since 50 years.

Milwaukee suffered an incredible blow when their top seed in the playoffs was eliminated after having won the league championship and being denied their number-one seed status for this series, along with losing Khris Middleton due to injury that will keep him sidelined for all five games of this series.

1. The Future of Giannis Antetokounmpo

Due to their shocking playoff elimination in just five games, Coach Budenholzer's future with the Bucks has come into question. Many supporters want him out after failing to make adjustments that could help lead the team all the way into the Eastern Conference finals and defeat Miami.

Coach Budenholzer has amassed an impressive 271-120 record (.693 winning percentage) during his five seasons with Milwaukee, and two playoff appearances; unfortunately his teams' postseason performance hasn't been nearly as stellar; reaching both Eastern Conference finals but coming up short both times with heartbreaking defeat.

Milwaukee selected Budenholzer over other coaches because of his track record of regular success, which can largely be attributed to a rigid game plan that made Milwaukee difficult for opponents on defense. Unfortunately, however, its rigidity also proved an obstacle during playoff playoffs, since it wouldn't allow any deviation when facing tougher competitors.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the standout players in the NBA this season, averaging 26.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, he's become a beloved figure in Milwaukee - no secret there!

Antetokounmpo's likely decision is to stay in Milwaukee and further his career for several reasons, such as having helped build an NBA championship-caliber roster around him and having the desire to compete for more NBA championships.

Milwaukee Bucks currently rank 11th in the Eastern Conference and can still make the playoffs with some improvements. If Giannis and his teammates can unite as an effective unit and increase offensive efficiency, then they could emerge as one of the powerhouses of this conference.

Antetokounmpo will likely demand a massive extension when his contract runs out next year, so the Bucks must do everything they can to retain him while also keeping their core together and continue their rise to become contenders in Eastern Conference.

2. The Future of Khris Middleton

Milwaukee Bucks fans, following their team's disappointing first-round playoff collapse, may be eager for change within their team and its coaching staff. Coach Budenholzer could provide the impetus necessary to create this shift.

Milwaukee must make one of its top priorities this summer an unrestricted free agent named Khris Middleton who could sign an extension that will pay him nearly $40 Million over five seasons.

Middleton serves the Bucks' sixth man position by acting both independently and helping stabilize the rest of their offense. When healthy and functioning at an All-Star level, Middleton can be an enormously valuable asset in games.

Middleton's injuries have severely restricted his development and shot. This season he is averaging only 3.7 points per game while his field goal percentage has decreased to 43%.

Middleton must play at his highest level in order to help the Bucks win games and maintain success going forward.

Middleton can be relied upon as a reliable scorer with steady hands on the ball and plenty of experience at the pro level, capable of playing well both ends of the court.

Middleton will make an invaluable addition to any team, helping them compete with other teams in the league and advance.

He will help them improve on defense, which has been one of their keys to victory this season. His experience can prove invaluable when looking to enhance any team's defensive efforts - an objective which should be top of Milwaukee's list this season.

Middleton will add depth to the bench and assist with physicality on the court. If he remains healthy throughout his time here at Milwaukee Bucks, then Middleton could become an essential player over time.

3. The Future of Brook Lopez

Due to Coach Budenholzer's dismissal, the Milwaukee Bucks may seek out a new head coach this offseason. Additionally, star center Brook Lopez could become free agent next summer and three-time All-Star Khris Middleton could leave too if he does not exercise his player option for 2023-24.

Lopez has long been one of the team's most adored and revered members, especially among fans. A dedicated center, Lopez provides consistent playmaking abilities while serving as a reliable rim protector - qualities which have won him fans in Milwaukee over many years now. He remains an integral component to Milwaukee's success today!

This season, Lopez was honored as a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. A smart and fast center, Lopez can quickly diagnose opposing offenses while being an exceptional 3-point shooter himself - making him a valuable member of both Bucks offense and defense.

At a key juncture of their success this season and moving forward, he has played a crucial role in Giannis Antetokounmpo's ability to achieve more on the court - something important to the Bucks as a team.

The Bucks hope Lopez can sign an extension before becoming a free agent next summer; as he has shown a desire to remain on their roster and continue playing well, signing an extension should not pose any difficulties for Lopez. As long as his health remains stable, an extension should come easily for Lopez with them.

Lopez has been an indispensable member of their success this season. Not only can he find ways to score, but also shoulder the bulk of responsibility within their locker room - proving himself as an outstanding teammate while shaping their success going forward.

Lopez is one of the best centers in the game and brings much to his team as they look to win more games this year. Additionally, his shooting prowess can prove vital as they work towards more victories this year.

4. The Future of Jrue Holiday

If the Milwaukee Bucks want to turn their recent championship run into an unprecedented third NBA Finals appearance, they face an uphill climb. First they must return to the top of the Central Division before competing with Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers for best record in Eastern Conference.

The Bucks will need to find ways to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez this off-season. Lopez can sign a free agent contract this summer while Middleton and Antetokounmpo both qualify for contract extensions during this off-season period.

Holiday is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020-21 and only has one guaranteed season remaining on his current deal, making him a valuable trade piece if Antetokounmpo decides not to extend it and departs for greener pastures.

Budenholzer's first-round defeat at the hands of Miami Heat should largely be blamed on Jrue Holiday, yet there's more to the tale. Not only has Holiday played horrid post-ups this playoffs (he hasn't), but too heavily on drop coverage leads to one of the lowest restricted area field goal percentages in NBA.

Budenholzer has tried to address this by increasing defensive switching and placing more players inside. Additionally, he has tried building more depth within his squad but this hasn't translated to wins in the playoffs.

It is evident that for the Bucks to reach another NBA Finals in the future, their roster needs to be strengthened through recruiting talent and making changes on the bench.

Milwaukee will make one of their biggest changes ever this offseason by hiring a new coach, but this decision could have far-reaching effects across their entire roster. Indeed, it could be considered the single most consequential move made during their offseason which already features several key moves essential for long-term success. Now is the time for Milwaukee to decide if they want Budenholzer back as coach or find another alternative coach.