NBA people thought the Milwaukee Bucks fans were doing April Fools on Tuesday when they posted a “Welcome Back, Coach Bud” message on their social media platform.
Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Apr 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
It was a serious post and it is meant to welcome Mike Budenholzer for the first time since his firing in 2023 as his current team Phoenix Suns, who lost the game, made him a visit.
Budenholzer, as every Bucks fans know, led the team to the 2021 NBA title. He spent five years with the team and reached the playoffs in all those years. They also never finished the regular below the third spot with him at the helm.
Social media post is everything the Bucks organization made for Bud and that’s what Giannis Antetokounmpo finds weird.
He thought Budenholzer deserves a touching video tribute.
“I thought they were going to play like a video for him,” the Greek Freak told reporters after the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“They didn’t, which was surprising to me. I felt like they should.”
Giannis feeling this way is understandable. After all, he won his two MVPs and one Defensive Player of the Year under Budenholzer’s tutelage.
Bud says he cherishes years with Milwaukee Bucks
Budenholzer was all business on Tuesday as he continues attempt to will the Suns into a play-in spot.
Questions about his time with the Bucks and the bitter end to it did not go though.
When asked post-game about how he feels returning to Fiserv Forum, he only has a classy response.
Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Mar 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer catches the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
“I’ve always said it was a great five years here in Milwaukee,” Budenholzer said.
“I’m forever appreciative to the organization, to the players, to the fans here. The people here were great to me. It’s tough to lose tonight. I want to keep the focus on my guys, my team. But I’ve said it a million times: It was five great years here.”
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!