Milwaukee Bucks: 5 reasons Jason Kidd was fired

2. Terrible rotations

The Milwaukee Bucks went on their late-season surge last year on the back of an inspired lineup change, with Thon Maker starting at center to space the floor around Antetokounmpo, and center Greg Monroe serving as his heavy-minute backup to run bench units.

But one good decision does not a maestro make, and Kidd has been terrible at managing rotations throughout his tenure in Milwaukee — especially this year. As the league grows in its understanding of health management and player rest, the league’s perennial contenders manage minutes and days off in order to keep their stars fresh and healthy.

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Instead Kidd has taken a page out of Tom Thibodeau’s book and played his stars as many minutes as possible. Antetokounmpo leads the league in minutes per game at 37.4, and Middleton is right behind him at 37.3. Kidd has often deployed Antetokounmpo for 18 straight minutes to start a half, giving him just a few minutes rest before bringing him back in.

Kidd has also shown he brings a lackadaisical approach to managing his rotations. In a close win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kidd didn’t bring in Malcolm Brogdon until late in the first half. His explanation was very close to “I didn’t see him sitting there.”

From riding the DeAndre Liggins experience for altogether too many minutes, to ostracizing young talent, to playing pick-a-veteran with the team’s backcourt, Kidd was unpredictable and unsuccessful in managing this team’s generous talent.