Darvin Ham rejoins Bucks coaching staff as assistant coach

Darvin Ham is familiar with the organization and its players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Darvin Ham rejoins Bucks coaching staff as assistant coach

Darvin Ham

Darvin Ham is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks as the lead assistant coach under Doc Rivers. He previously served as an assistant coach with the Bucks from 2018 to 2022, contributing to their 2021 NBA championship victory. Ham’s return comes after his dismissal as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He had a regular-season record of 90-74 with the Lakers but struggled in the playoffs.

Ham’s tenure with the Lakers ended after a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. Despite his regular-season success, Ham’s postseason record was disappointing. The Bucks are hoping that Ham’s experience and leadership will help stabilize and strengthen the team. Darvin Ham is familiar with the organization and its players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks were marred by injuries last season, including Antetokounmpo’s calf injury that kept him out of the entire playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The team is counting on Ham’s strong relationships with the players to help motivate and improve performance. Ham’s appointment is a strategic move by the Bucks to leverage his past success with the team.

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At 50 years old, Ham brings a wealth of experience to the Bucks, both as a player and coach. His ability to have tough conversations with players is seen as a key asset. The Bucks are betting that Ham’s experience and leadership will be pivotal in their quest to reclaim the NBA championship.

Darvin Ham turns down Suns’ coaching offer after Lakers stint

Darvin Ham, former Lakers head coach, was approached by Mike Budenholzer to join the Phoenix Suns’ staff. However, Ham declined the offer after two grueling seasons with the Lakers according to NBA insider, Marc Stein.

Budenholzer, who previously worked with Ham on the Hawks and Bucks, had attempted to persuade him to join his new staff. Instead, the Suns offered David Fizdale, a former assistant coach, a role on Budenholzer’s staff.

Ham’s decision to pass on the opportunity had initially indicated he was taking a break from coaching after a trying season with the Lakers. Despite a promising start, the Lakers struggled to find consistency and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

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