DJ Bakker has over 11 years of experience as an NBA coach.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — DJ Bakker will be the team’s next head coach Greensboro Swarmthe Charlotte Hornets’ G-League affiliate. He will be the fourth head coach in franchise history.
Bakker served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season and has more than 11 years of NBA coaching experience.
“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,” said Jeff Peterson, Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations.
“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,” Peterson said.
Prior to his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Bakker held coaching positions for several other NBA teams. He spent five seasons with the Detroit Pistons as a player development coach and assistant head coach. Bakker then held player development roles with the Dallas Mavericks from 2015 to 2016, and the Toronto Raptors from 2016 to 2018.
He served as the head coach of Detroit’s NBA G League affiliate Motor City Cruise beginning in the 2021-22 season, helping the team to a 39-25 (.609) record over two years.
Bakker is a native of Highland, Indiana, and played basketball at Trinity Christian College. He began his professional career during the 2009-10 season as a video coordinator for the Chicago Bulls.
“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 said.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY 2 NEWS
Download the WFMY News 2 app from your Apple Or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU Store or search for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV via your Amazon account.