Taylor Jenkins will look to do what Doc Rivers was unable to do as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks: Lead the team on a deep playoff run.
At his introductory press conference with the Bucks, Jenkins explained why accepting the role of head coach in Milwaukee was a relatively easy decision for him.
Taylor Jenkins Says Taking Job With Milwaukee Bucks Was ‘Easy’ Decision
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 23: Head Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to Ja Morant #12 during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Jenkins pointed to his personal relationship with Bucks general manager Jon Horst, along with his familiarity with many other members of the organization, as main reasons why he thought the organization would be a good fit for him.
“It was pretty easy for me: It’s people. That’s one of the most important things to me in my life, professionally and personally. Obviously, I’ve known Jon [Horst] for many years now, so I have high regard and respect for him. As I got to spend time with Jimmy and Wes, intimately in our home, it became very clear these are individuals I want to partner with,” Jenkins said.
“I’m obviously very familiar with many other members of the Bucks organization in the front office, on the medical and performance side, throughout the entire staff, basketball operations. So, when this opportunity became available, I was like, I know the people. I know what they stand for. I know what their standards are going to be on a day-to-day basis.”
Jenkins becomes the 19th head coach in Bucks history, but also the third full-time head coach in Milwaukee since the team parted ways with Mike Budenholzer in 2023. His goal will be to last longer than his two previous predecessors.
Will Taylor Jenkins Coach Giannis Antetokounmpo Next Season?
Getty/Gregory ShamusDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 10: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with head coach Taylor Jenkins while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 10, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. The Memphis Grizzlies won the game 132-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jenkins inherits a Bucks’ roster that has a major looming question when it comes to the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. At this point, Jenkins doesn’t know whether or not he’ll be coaching the two-time MVP next season, as a trade remains a possibility.
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam addressed Antetokounmpo’s murky future during Jenkins’ introductory presser and left things open-ended.
“We don’t know whether Giannis will stay with us or not, but we’ll work through that with Giannis in the coming weeks,” Haslam said.
Haslam pointed to the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft as a point where the organization should have some definitive answers regarding Antetokounmpo. At that point, we should have a clearer idea of what the Bucks might look like during Jenkins’ first season on the sideline.
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