THE Charlotte Hornets have their new G League head coach.
DJ Bakkerwho recently served on the team’s coaching staff Milwaukee Bucks And Detroit Pistonsbecomes the fourth head coach of the Greensboro SwarmHe has been in the NBA for 11 years and has made a name for himself as an assistant and player development coach.
“In my conversations with (Jeff Peterson And Charles Lee), it quickly became clear that we shared the same core basketball values and philosophies,” Bakker said in a press release. “I fully believe in their vision of accountability, hard work and player development, and I look forward to implementing these characteristics every day with the Swarm.”
“Our fans can expect a team that fights every night, plays with passion and works on both ends of the floor. I can’t wait to get started.”
Bakker’s journey from player development to head coach
A native of Highland, Indiana, he played at Trinity Christian College in ChicagoBakker made his NBA debut in 2009.
Bakker was the video coordinator for the The Chicago Bulls during the 2009-2010 season, and returned to the Association as a regional advanced scout for the Orlando Magic three years later, after working as a player development coach with an athletic trainer in Chicago. His experience working with individual athletes allowed him to stay in the NBA, and he continued to hold player development positions with the The Dallas Mavericks (2015-16) and Toronto Raptors (2016-18).
After working with players like Pascal SiakamBakker spent five seasons with the Detroit Pistons between 2018 and 2023. He started as a player development coach, was eventually promoted to assistant coach and served as the team’s head coach. Motorized city cruiseHe compiled a 39-25 (.609) record in two years as coach of Detroit’s NBA G League affiliate, beginning with their inaugural 2021-22 season.
“We are excited to introduce DJ Bakker as the head coach of the Greensboro Swarm,” PetersonHornets president of basketball operations for the first year, said in a statement. “DJ brings 11 years of professional coaching experience, has extensive experience in player development and talent evaluation, and is a proven leader at the NBA and G League levels.
“His communication skills allow him to build strong relationships with his players and staff, and his emphasis on work ethic, preparation and development aligns with our organizational values. We look forward to our partnership with DJ as we welcome him, his wife, Laura, and their family to the Carolinas.”