Mike Budenholzer, former Bucks coach, among finalists for Brooklyn Nets head coaching position

Mike Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, is reportedly one of three finalists for the head coaching position with the Brooklyn Nets. Alongside him are Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez and Phoenix Suns associate head coach Kevin Young, according to reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Budenholzer’s time with the Bucks came to an end after last season, when they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite this, he had a successful tenure in Milwaukee, making the playoffs in all five seasons and winning the 2021 NBA title. Prior to coaching the Bucks, Budenholzer spent five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, leading them to several playoff appearances and a 60-win campaign in 2014-15.

The Nets’ head coach position became available when Jacque Vaughn was fired in February, with Kevin Ollie serving as interim coach since then. The team has yet to significantly improve under Ollie’s leadership, leading to a continued search for a permanent head coach. Along with Budenholzer, Fernandez, and Young, other candidates such as James Borrego and Chris Quinn have also been considered for the role.

Despite having promising young talent on the roster, such as Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, and Cam Johnson, the Nets face challenges such as the loss of draft picks and potential free-agent departures. With a significant payroll and impending salary cap issues, the team’s general manager will need to make strategic decisions to ensure future success for the team.