Thursday, December 26, 2024

Magic Johnson’s forthright take on the Milwaukee Bucks hiring Darvin Ham as an assistant coach

After being fired by the Los Angeles Lakers a few months ago, Darvin Ham is back on the scene as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. Among those who have shared their thoughts on this move is none other than NBA legend Magic Johnson.

In 2022, Ham took the reins as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers after the team decided not to renew Frank Vogel’s contract. Vogel previously led LeBron James’ team to the 2020 championship.

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April 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham sits on the bench during their game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Must-Have: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports

Ham’s inaugural season as head coach finished the regular season with the Lakers with a record of 43 wins and 39 losses. Despite making it through the play-in tournament, the team went on a deep playoff run, reaching the Western Conference Finals where they faced the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the team led by Nikola Jokic, which ultimately won the NBA Finals.

This seasonThe Lakers once again found themselves in the play-in tournament to meet the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. After a five-game series, the Lakers were eliminated, and a lack of confidence in Ham was cited as a factor in their disappointing performance. As a result, he was relieved of his coaching duties and the team is currently searching for his replacement, with James considering a player option for the coming year.

Magic Johnson is giving up his candid look at the Milwaukee Bucks and hiring Darvin Ham as an assistant coach

Milwaukee Bucks and Darvin Ham
April 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham gives instructions against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of the 2024 NBA Playoff game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory credit: Stephen Lew – USA TODAY Sports

During the offseason, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers purged the team’s coaching staff to make room for his own preferences. Ham is among the hires, prompting Lakers legend Magic Johnson to react to the change.

“I am very happy that my friend and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has named former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham as his new head assistant!” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

Before taking the top job in Los Angeles, Ham spent four seasons as an assistant coach with Milwaukee 2018 to 2022. Now he will return to familiar surroundings, helping Rivers coach two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.

Milwaukee Bucks and Darvin Ham
April 27, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in the first quarter of Game 4 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Must-Have: Jason Parkhurst – USA TODAY Sports

Rivers and Ham have the entire offseason to prepare the team for the upcoming campaign. Hopefully, the latter will utilize all the lessons he learned in Los Angeles to support the Bucks contend next season.

Milwaukee Bucks and Darvin Ham
April 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Must-Read: Isaiah J. Downing – USA TODAY Sports

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