Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally spoken up about the firing of coach Mike Budenholzer. The Bucks’ decision to part ways with Budenholzer came after their shocking first-round exit in the playoffs against the Miami Heat.
The team had finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, which had raised expectations of competing for the championship.
What did Giannis Antetokounmpo say?
While Antetokounmpo had stayed quiet about the decision, he took to Twitter to express his gratitude towards Budenholzer. He shared a photo of him hugging the coach during their 2021 championship win and captioned it with, “Thank you for five meaningful years Coach. We accomplished something unbelievable and I’m forever grateful.”
Although the Bucks’ disappointing playoff run this year cannot be solely blamed on Budenholzer, it seems that the organization was eager for a change. Despite winning a championship and being a regular playoff contender in the East, the team fell short of expectations this season.
Antetokounmpo, who is known for his loyalty to his teammates and coaches, probably feels the weight of the Bucks’ underperformance this season. He may have wished for things to have turned out differently, with Budenholzer still leading the team in the playoffs. However, Antetokounmpo understands that the NBA is a business where every franchise needs results.
As for what’s next for the Bucks and Budenholzer, only time will tell. The team has a lot of work to do in the offseason, and it remains to be seen if they will be able to find a coach who can take them to the next level. Antetokounmpo will have to continue to lead the team and work towards bringing another championship to Milwaukee.
Overall, Antetokounmpo’s tweet shows his appreciation for Budenholzer’s contribution to the team’s success over the past five years. Despite the unfortunate end to their partnership, it’s clear that the Greek Freak will always have respect and gratitude towards his former coach.
The Legacy of Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee Bucks
After five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, former head coach Mike Budenholzer has posted a statement on Instagram thanking the city and the organization for taking him and his team in and treating them like family.
Budenholzer led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 2021, ending the team’s 50-year title drought. He exits as the winningest head coach in Bucks history with a 69% winning percentage.
In his statement, Budenholzer expressed gratitude towards the team’s ownership, front office members, and players, specifically mentioning Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday.
He also thanked the fans and acknowledged the significant place the organization and the city have in his heart. Budenholzer’s legacy with the Bucks will undoubtedly be remembered for leading the team to its first championship in five decades, bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Milwaukee.
