Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst was credited for creating the Big 3 of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, and then surrounding them the right pieces to win an NBA title. It happened in 2021.
Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jul 17, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), guard Jrue Holiday (21) and forward Khris Middleton (22) as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) walks off the court following game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
However, they have been in a dark place since then. Antetokounmpo’s MVP years are being wasted most die hard fans say. The Bucks haven’t achieved significant postseason success since winning the title. They exited the playoffs in the first round three straight years.
This is why it is a shock for many when the team extended Horst’s contract. The extension was announced on April this year although it was not indicated how many years he will stay on as the GM.
Horst started with the job in 2019 and won the NBA Executive of the Year on his maiden season.
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Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Pat Connaughton (24) wait to enter the game in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Among his biggest signing during his first season Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton who are both out of the team now. They also got George Hill, Bobby Portis, and PJ Tucker who made up the core of the team that won them the title.
Milwaukee Bucks believe NBA is anybody’s taking
There is lack of postseason success lately under Jon Horst but the team still believes they are not that far from contention. This is among the reasons why they continue tor trust Horst according to The Athletic reporter Eric Nehm.
“No matter who wins the NBA Finals, we will not see a repeat this season, and seven different teams will have won the last seven titles. The Bucks are one of those seven teams,” he wrote.
“Finally, as the Bucks approached an offseason that was going to potentially feature a lot of conversation about Antetokounmpo and his future, the organization wanted to have stability at the top.”
Milwaukee Bucks, Jon Horst, Doc Rivers
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Doc Rivers speaks at a press conference with general manager Jon Horst as Rivers is introduced as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nehm also cited the GM’s one ring with the Bucks.
To be fair for Horst, the last four seasons were marred by injuries to one of their Top 2 players. The 2022 saw Khris Middleton miss the second round with Boston Celtics that went seven games. It was the Greek Freak’s turn to miss games in 2023 against the Miami Heat.
Antetokounmpo did not play a playoff game at all in 2024 and then in the most recent one, it was Damian Lillard who missed three of the five games against the Pacers.
They are now moving on to a new season with renewed hope after letting go of Lillard and signing Myles Turner to a four-year deal.
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