You know what makes your day? When your boss does something you disagree with, something that has a public relations backlash, something where you get to step in and finish up the details for him, then you get to step in the public spotlight and make a statement about it.
Welcome to Bucks GM John Hammond’s chair.
Buck’s co-owner Marc Lasry started talks to replace their existing, contracted coach Larry Drew with his buddy and Nets coach Jason Kidd — something Kidd tried to leverage into more money and power in Brooklyn but failed — without bothering to tell Hammond or Drew (both learned of it through media reports). When the deal got basically set Hammond had to clean up the details like negotiate the compensation (two second round picks).
Then Hammond got to fire Drew. The Bucks made that official Monday night and Hammond released this statement.
“Despite the challenging season, Larry always handled himself and represented the Bucks in a first-class manner. Larry did the best he could in a difficult situation, especially given all of our injuries. I want to thank Larry for all of his efforts, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
The Kidd hiring will be announced soon.
There will be a lot of pressure now on Kidd to grow and develop a nice young nucleus that includes Jabari Parker, John Henson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Larry Sanders.
If it blows up, it speaks as much to Bucks ownership as it does Kidd.