Life gets complicated for an NBA head coach. On the one hand, they’re living a dream. On the other hand, they’ve got as little job security as anyone you could think of.
Just look at the Milwaukee Bucks. They hired Adrian Griffin Jr. this summer. He’s already gone. The Bucks let him go and hired veteran skipper Doc Rivers.
Fair enough. The Bucks have been one of the best teams in the NBA this year, but they haven’t looked championship-ready. Still, changing head coaches won’t solve all of their issues. The Bucks could use a roster upgrade. Could they acquire Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F MarJon Beauchamp
Milwaukee Bucks receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
With that said, different head coaches have different amounts of pressure on them. It depends on where their team stands. A future-focused team may give their head coach more room to grow.
Take the Jazz. Will Hardy isn’t going anywhere for a while. He’s been impressive during his tenure with the team. Hardy won’t be on the hot seat until there are real expectations surrounding the Jazz.
All of which makes the Bucks’ decision to hire a rookie head coach like Griffin Jr. confusing. Typically, that’s something that developing teams do – they’re trying to unearth a gem. Contending teams typically seek a proven commodity like Rivers. Should he be happy to roster Olynyk?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
The Bucks may hesitate to make this move. Portis is widely seen as a leader for this team. Beauchamp is the most exciting young player they have. Are we sure about this?
Olynyk is better than Portis. Let’s start there. They’re similarly impactful on defense – Portis may be the better rim protector, but Olynyk is a bit better in space. Offensively, Olynyk is a more advanced player.
Sure, they can both space the floor. Olynyk is also a strong connective passer. He’ll give a stagnant Bucks offense a new wrinkle, and that should make them a better team. Should the Jazz part with him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
In essence, the Jazz are flipping Olynyk for Beauchamp here. Portis is involved to make the money work. With that said, moving him to a contender in the summer shouldn’t be difficult if that’s what the Jazz want to do.
So, let’s talk about Beauchamp. His opportunities have been inconsistent in Milwaukee, but he’s flashed potential. Beauchamp is a stellar defensive wing who can create shots for himself in half-court sets at times.
His shooting is an issue. Beauchamp is a raw, underdeveloped talent. That’s fine – the Jazz have time for development. It should be some time before Will Hardy is coaching for his job.
