Darvin Ham Already Giving New Team Buyer's Remorse

The Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham after the 2023-24 season after two years with the franchise. The fanbase celebrated this decision as the relationship between Ham, the players, and the fans had gotten to a point of no return. Under new head coach JJ Redick, things are looking up in Los Angeles.

Where things aren't looking up, however, is Ham's new team. The Milwaukee Bucks, who hired Ham to be an assistant coach under Doc Rivers, are off to a 1-4 start. A few of those losses were double-digit defeats to bottom-feeders like the Nets and the Bulls. In a championship-or-bust season for the franchise, that is an utter disaster.

The Bucks certainly have the talent to turn things around. Once Khris Middleton returns from injury, they have enough top-end talent to be a competitive team. Yet, considering how old, slow, and unathletic they have looked so far, it would take a massive shock for them to mount a proper challenge to the Boston Celtics in the East.

This presents a unique opportunity and a challenge for Ham. On the one hand, Doc Rivers could definitely get fired if things don't improve soon. This could likely make Ham the frontrunner to be the head coach at least until the end of the season.

On the other hand, this could also further damage Ham's reputation and career. If things completely fall apart, Rivers and Ham could both lose their jobs, affecting both of their future coaching careers, at least in the short run.

Why any championship contender would start the season with Doc Rivers as the head coach and Ham as the lead assistant is difficult to comprehend, and the Bucks top brass may be finding that out the hard way.

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