Darvin Ham is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks as the lead assistant coach under Doc Rivers, marking a significant homecoming for the former Lakers head coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

This move comes after Ham’s dismissal from the Los Angeles Lakers following a two-season stint where he amassed a 90-74 regular-season record and a 9-12 postseason record. His tenure with the Lakers ended after a first-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets, a series in which the Lakers blew a substantial lead in Game 2, fueling rumors about Ham’s potential firing.

Ham’s return to Milwaukee is noteworthy due to his previous tenure with the Bucks from 2018 to 2022. During this period, he played a crucial role as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer, contributing to the team’s 2021 NBA championship victory—the franchise’s first title since 1971.

Ham was known for his strong rapport with players and his ability to have tough, honest conversations that motivated and improved the team’s performance.

At 50 years old, Ham brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. His playing career, which spanned from 1996 to 2005, included a championship win with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. His coaching career began with the Atlanta Hawks before moving to the Bucks, where he established himself as a key figure in their coaching staff.

The Bucks are hoping Ham’s familiarity with the organization and its players, particularly two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, will help stabilize and strengthen the team following a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks’ season was marred by injuries, including Antetokounmpo missing the entire series against the Pacers due to a calf injury.

Doc Rivers, who took over the Bucks’ head coaching position mid-season, is in the process of restructuring his coaching staff. Ham’s appointment as the lead assistant coach is a strategic move aimed at leveraging his past success with the team and his strong relationships within the organization.

Ham’s return to Milwaukee underscores his value as a coach capable of elevating team performance and maintaining strong player relationships. The Bucks, a perennial playoff contender, are betting that Ham’s experience and leadership will be pivotal in their quest to reclaim the NBA championship.

Massive Demotion For Darvin Ham

From leading the Los Angeles Lakers as their head coach to accepting an assistant coach role with the Milwaukee Bucks, Darvin Ham’s career trajectory has taken a significant and unexpected turn.

This transition represents a substantial demotion for Ham, who, despite a tumultuous tenure with the Lakers, demonstrated some notable achievements. During his two seasons with the Lakers, Ham managed to guide the team to the playoffs twice and even reached the Western Conference Finals in 2023.

However, his departure from the Lakers came after a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 playoffs, a series marred by blown leads and underperformance. Despite these setbacks, Ham’s overall record of 90-74 in the regular season and a commendable postseason run highlights his potential as a head coach.

In light of recent coaching vacancies across the NBA, the swift move to an assistant position with the Bucks is surprising. Teams like the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Charlotte Hornets all had head coaching positions available, and these roles were filled in the past few weeks. Given his experience and achievements, Ham seemed like a viable candidate for these openings.

Instead, Ham opted to return to a familiar environment in Milwaukee, where he previously served as an assistant and won an NBA championship in 2021. This move might be seen as a step back, but it also offers stability and a chance to rebuild his reputation under the guidance of seasoned head coach Doc Rivers.

For Ham, this demotion can be a period of reflection and growth. While the immediate perception might be that of a setback, his role with the Bucks could provide an opportunity to refine his coaching philosophy, strengthen his relationships within the league, and prepare for future head coaching opportunities.

In the volatile world of NBA coaching, such a move, while seemingly a demotion, could lay the groundwork for a successful return to a head coaching role in the future.