What exactly will Jason Kidd’s role with the Bucks be?
I have never witnessed as much media coverage, attention, tweeting, excitement, and utter chaos involving the Milwaukee Bucks in my 22+ years on this Earth than I have over the last 72 hours.
It all started with the second pick in this year’s draft when the Milwaukee Bucks selected Duke forward Jabari Parker, bringing a genuine sense of optimism to a fan base that’s desperately needed it. This was followed by a press conference packed with fans, two Summerfest appearances, and throwing out the first pitch at yesterday’s Milwaukee Brewers game.
As of lifelong fan of the Bucks, I can honestly say that this was one of the promising times in our franchise’s history. New billionaire owners, one of the best players in recent draft history, and an energized fan base was definitely making me feel some type of way.
But then, out of seemingly nowhere… last night happened.
Coming home from dinner, I received a notification on my iPod:
“Nets reportedly allow Jason Kidd to speak to Bucks after denying his request for more power in front office”
Wait… what?
The following thoughts entered my head, in this order:
1. Why is talking to us?
2. We already have a head coach and a GM who were both at Jabari Parker’s introductory press conference the day before. If he joins the Bucks, what the hell is his job description?
3. Is he qualified to do any of these jobs?
4. I want a Jabari Parker jersey.
Disregarding number four on that list, these are all fair questions. I mean, I still feel like Kidd was playing 2 weeks ago. His resume as a coach is certainly lacking any surefire proof of true coaching ability, who knows what his mindset is as an executive, and his desire to leave the city of New York for Milwaukee is understandably confusing.
This led to multiple reporters digging further into the story and being featured as a lead story on SportsCenter (mostly because it involves the Brooklyn Nets, but we’ll take what we can get), revealing an already sour relationship between Kidd and the Nets organization, an apparent failed power struggle, potential trade denials, and feelings from Kidd of being underpaid compared to other first-time-former-players-turned-coaches. (And did anyone catch ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioning that an O.J. Mayo trade was already in the works???)
Now, things have progressed to the Bucks already determining potential compensation for getting out of his contract. With this already being called somewhat of a “done deal,” this has progressed extremely fast.
I have no idea how to feel about this. (See GIF below)
Kidd is unproven, but his relationship with new owner Marc Lasry suggests that he would have 100% backing from these new owners. We’re not even sure what role he would be taking with the Bucks. Will Hammond and Drew keep their jobs? Will Kidd takeover both roles like Gregg Popovich or Doc Rivers? Or will he simply be an addition to the crew?
I’m not sure where this is headed and where it will end, but one thing is clear.
Milwaukee Bucks basketball is changing, and people are taking notice.
MidWestCoast 