A first- or second-round playoff exit will likely mean the end of Mike Budenholzer’s tenure as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick.
Milwaukee might also fire Budenholzer if the Bucks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals but perform poorly at that time.
The Bucks had a disappointing second-round loss to the Miami Heat during last year’s playoffs and collapsed in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, blowing a 2-0 series lead to the Toronto Raptors.
Despite past troubles, Milwaukee is reportedly optimistic Budenholzer can get the job done this season. The Bucks are 5-1 against the top-ranked Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets this season and 41-24 overall.
The Bucks are 157-63 since Budenholzer took over in 2018, and several players have benefited under his guidance, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
Milwaukee has not won an NBA title since the 1970-71 campaign. However, the Bucks have the fifth-best odds to do so this season at +1000, according to BetOnline.ag.
