In a recent survey of NBA General Managers, 64% believe the Milwaukee Bucks will end the season with the best record in the eastern conference.
In the same survey, 81% of NBA General Managers believe the Los Angeles Lakers will win the NBA title for the second consecutive season. The only other teams to receive votes are the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat.
General Managers believe Giannis Antetokounmpo is the NBA’s best defensive player and could win a third consecutive MVP award.
So where is the disconnect? Why is it that GM’s believe in the regular season Bucks, but not the post-season Bucks?
The answer is coaching.
In his seven seasons as a Head Coach in the NBA, Mike Budenholzer has guided his team to the best record in the eastern conference three times (Hawks 2014-15, Bucks 2018-19, Bucks 2019-20).
His combined record in those seasons is a remarkable 176-61. Curiously, Budenholzer’s playoff record in those seasons is a combined 23-18. His overall post-season mark is 32-32.
League General Managers believe, in order, the best coaches in the NBA are Eric Spoelstra of the Miami Heat (46%), Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors (18%), Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs (18%) and Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens (11%).
In each of the past two seasons, Budenholzer’s Bucks lost to one the top coaches in the NBA. Nurse and the Raptors in 2019, and Spoelstra and the Heat in 2020.
For that streak to end, Budenholzer must show a willingness to engage, and win the post-season coaching chess match.