Mike Budenholzer is the new number one when it comes to the most disliked coaches in the state of Wisconsin. Mike Pettine from the Green Bay Packers had the title with Steve Wojciechowski flanked to his right. They’re both gone. Now, that title belongs to Budenholzer. Similarly, that online Bucks fans wanted to fire Jason Kidd and the soccer-Esque #FireKidd moment happened, the #FireBud hashtag rained down in September after Milwaukee’s bubble failure. After the loss to the Miami Heat, Milwaukee decided to keep Budenholzer for another year. Bucks fans winced but the change was promised along with new talent on the roster. Despite some change happening, it’s not good enough for Bucks’ fans. They still want Budenholzer ousted and a new regime to take his spot. At the end of the day, Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the keys to that decision.

When the Bucks decided to get rid of Kidd, Giannis expressed a great deal of displeasure. Many people who were in Kidd’s corner in the media (Shouts to Marc Stein) saw this as the beginning of the end with the Bucks and their future star player. Spoiler alert, that did not happen. Nothing close to it occurred. Giannis grew up a little bit that day and understood that this is a business. Despite being very loyal to Kidd, Antetokounmpo understood it was time to move on, and based on comments in the last few years, Giannis seems to realize that Kidd held him back in many ways.

Now that Giannis is the star of this team and a two-time MVP, he gets to decide the coaches’ fate. Some might not like that, but it’s how the NBA has worked for generations. Ask Michael Jordan about Doug Collins. Budenholzer may be the Doug Collins to whatever coach comes in next for Milwaukee. It will be up to Antetokoumpo and somewhat Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to make the call on Budenholzer. If they want him gone then he is toast. If the guys want him around then Budenholzer will stay. I realize this is a basic understanding of the power struggle in the NBA, but it does come down to this as the final decision.

Why do Bucks fans seem to think they know more than the players? Holiday mentioned some early frustrations with Budenholzer, but since then, he hasn’t mentioned much. Same for Middleton this year as well. There are no signs that this team tuned out Budenholzer. Sure, the fourth quarter struggles have been a real issue, but that’s not a sign of this team quitting on their coach. If anything, it’s an entitlement issue with the Bucks laying off the gas too early and not knowing how to respond to a team’s hot streak.

Mike Budenholzer will be here as long as Giannis wants him here. When the Greek Freak says it’s time for a change, a change will happen.

Charlie.