Considering its talent, Milwaukee (24-22) has largely been considered an underachieving team this season. Bucks general manager Jon Horst has been clear that the franchise’s ultimate goal is to compete for championships.
“We believe that Joe is the right person to lead our team and help us achieve our goals,” Horst said in a press release.
MORE: How adding Eric Bledsoe gives Bucks playmaking punch, takes pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo
Horst added that Prunty “has the knowledge and experience, along with the respect of our players and staff, to get the job done.” Prunty has spent 22 seasons around the NBA and has served as the head coach of Great Britain’s men’s national team.
In addition to the Prunty announcement, the Bucks announced the addition of Vin Baker to their coaching staff. Baker is a familiar face in Milwaukee; he spent the first four seasons of his NBA playing career there and played in three All-Star games as a Buck. More recently, Baker was a member of the Bucks’ broadcast team and will be leaving the broadcast booth for the bench.
MORE: With Jason Kidd out, Bucks could target these 10 coaching candidates
The Bucks, who currently hold the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed, plan to conduct a thorough coaching search in the offseason.
