What Taylor Jenkins hiring by Bucks means for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors
TL;DR
The Milwaukee Bucks have hired Taylor Jenkins as their new head coach, previously leading the Memphis Grizzlies. This move raises questions about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo amid ongoing trade rumors.
Key points
- Milwaukee Bucks hired Taylor Jenkins as head coach
- Jenkins previously coached Memphis Grizzlies
- Jenkins had a 250-214 record in six seasons
- Bucks aim to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo amid trade rumors
- Jenkins' hiring may influence team strategy
Mentioned in this story
What Taylor Jenkins hiring by Bucks means for Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Milwaukee Bucks got right down to business in finding their next head coach.
Now they'll have to wait and see whether it's enough to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo around.
On Thursday afternoon, the Bucks came to agreement with Taylor Jenkins to be their new head coach, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Jenkins was most recently the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. In his six seasons there, he had a 250-214 record and made the playoffs three times.
"Jenkins was seen as the top available commodity in the NBA coaching landscape, and his player development pedigree, tenure as a culture-setter and someone who drives competitiveness made him the Bucks' top target," Charania wrote on X. "The Bucks' brass, including ownership, met in person with Jenkins last week in Memphis and on Tuesday in Milwaukee to secure his commitment, sources said."
Maybe most relevant to the Bucks' future: Jenkins was an assistant in Milwaukee in 2018-19.
Does Taylor Jenkins change Giannis trade plans?
There's a chance, but it's hard to know for sure.
Jenkins was an assistant for just one season under Mike Budenholzer.
"I doubt he developed much of a relationship with Giannis, or even Horst, in that limited tenure," speculated Bucks writer Van Fayaz in a recent article. "Here, he was really only known as the guy who hilariously held the bench back from getting on the court if there was the potential for a skirmish."
Bucks forward Bobby Portis recently shared his thoughts, which were basically him saying he's not sure:
The fact that Jenkins was in Milwaukee for a season likely just firms up Antetokounmpo's thinking one way or the other. Jenkins isn't an unknown.
If Giannis liked him, he probably already has a sense for that. But if he didn't like him, he's already got that sense, too.
If anything, it could just slightly accelerate the timing on a Giannis decision.
Q&A
How does Taylor Jenkins' hiring affect Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks?
Taylor Jenkins' hiring could influence Giannis Antetokounmpo's decision to stay with the Bucks, as the team's direction under Jenkins may impact Giannis' commitment.
What was Taylor Jenkins' coaching record with the Memphis Grizzlies?
Taylor Jenkins had a coaching record of 250-214 with the Memphis Grizzlies, making the playoffs three times during his six seasons.
What are the implications of the Bucks hiring a new head coach?
The Bucks hiring a new head coach could signal a shift in strategy and player management, which may affect trade rumors surrounding key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
