The NBA offseason isn’t here yet, and it’s already gotten pretty wild when it comes to coaches getting fired.
The Milwaukee Bucks let go of Mike Budenholzer, who won a title with them not so long ago. The Phoenix Suns just fired Monty Williams, who was beloved fairly recently. The Philadelphia 76ers? They JUST lost in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs and now Doc Rivers is looking for a new job.
Then there are the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, who had Dwayne Casey step down. The Houston Rockets already filled their vacancy with Ime Udoka.
So let’s rank the job openings by desirability for those who could be looking to be hired:
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Philadelphia 76ers
One the one hand: You have the defending MVP in Joel Embiid.
On the other: James Harden might be bolting. What if Embiid gets nervous and wants out? And the pressure of expectations will be dialed up right away. I’d be nervous about taking this one.
Detroit Pistons
This could change in [glances at watch] oh, about a few hours of publishing this. Because you could get to coach Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey AND … maybe Victor Wembanyama. Ooooooo!
Phoenix Suns
There’s a lot there that’s a positive. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker form a lethal 1-2 punch. But you’d be walking into a situation where a lot could be changing — a Deandre Ayton trade? Is Chris Paul getting dealt? Still, pretty sweet gig if you’re starting out with a pair of stars like those.
Milwaukee Bucks
There’s so much to like here. This was a team presumed to be a top contender heading into the postseason that fell short. As long as you’ve got that core — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday — things should be fairly easy … until you get to the playoffs.
