Milwaukee.- The Milwaukee Bucks fired coach Mike Budenholzer on Thursday, a week after their shock first-round playoff elimination by the Miami Heat ruined a season in which they posted the best record in the NBA.
Budenholzer’s departure comes two years after he led the Bucks to their first championship in more than half a century. His dismissal also comes three weeks after the NBA ratified the purchase of 25% of the team’s shares, made by Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns.
“The decision taken to make this change has been complicated.” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement announcing the decision.
“Bud led the team through five incredible seasons, the first title in 50 years, and it was an era of sustained success. We are grateful for the winning culture and leadership Bud helped create in Milwaukee.”
The Bucks had the best combination of regular-round and postseason wins during the Budenholzer cycle. They also had the best regular-season record in three of his five seasons in charge. He went 271-120 in the regular season and 39-26 in the playoffs with Milwaukee.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP Award winner, Budenholzer’s Bucks rose to a height the franchise hadn’t reached since 1970, when Wilt Chamberlain wore a Milwaukee uniform.
The Bucks haven’t reached the NBA Finals in any of the three seasons in which they were the league’s top seed.
