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Milwaukee Bucks: 5 New Year’s resolutions for 2018

By Josh Cornelissen

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Bradley Center on December 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Bradley Center on December 22, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images /

3. Find the head coach of the future

In 2014 the Golden State Warriors were coming off their second straight trip to the playoffs, a hard-fought seven-game series with a talented Los Angeles Clippers team. Head coach Mark Jackson, despite the success, was replaced that offseason with Steve Kerr — and the Warriors promptly snapped off one of the greatest three-year runs in NBA history.

No one is suggesting that the Bucks simply needs a new head coach to begin snapping off titles, but there are a number of precedents for swapping out a head coach even in the midst of success. Some head coaches do a great job overseeing a team that moves from bad to good, but aren’t the best choice to push them to great.

The parallels between Mark Jackson and Jason Kidd are obvious as well. Both instilled a defensive system that utilized length and athleticism. Both oversaw the development of an overlooked prospect into a superstar that is redefining the game in Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokoumpo, respectively. Both made questionable in-game coaching decisions and defended themselves with obtuse reasoning.

What Milwaukee needs to decide is whether it is comfortable taking the risk of a new coach to be truly great. It is becoming increasingly clear that Kidd is not the caliber of coach this team needs to be a consistent contender. But replacing him could hurt this team if the right replacement is not hired. This could be the offseason decision that defines the prime of Antetokounmpo’s career.

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