The Milwaukee Bucks firing of head coach Jason Kidd was a long speculated move, going back as far as last summer. What was not speculated is how the players would take it, namely star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. As it turns out, not well according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes.
Sources: Jason Kidd hasn’t been officially told yet. Giannis Antetokounmpo is devastated. https://t.co/FGaqQybJtn
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 22, 2018
There was never really any talk about the relationship between Antetokounmpo and Kidd until it was severed. As it turns out the two are very close according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who can back up the statement by Haynes.
Kidd and Giannis are very close. Giannis trusts him. https://t.co/vQMGAKcwlM
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 22, 2018
With the Bucks really starting to blossom in their young age, the search for a new head coach will be an important one. Antetokounmpo is one of the brightest young stars in the league, and keeping him happy while also finding a coach who can get the best out of him will be critical for the long-term success of the team.
There were reported rifts between Kidd and his players, including Jabari Parker. Parker has since then refuted those reports.
