The Greensboro Swarm have employed DJ Bakker as their new head coach for the 2024-25 season. Bakker joins the Swarm from the Milwaukee Bucks, the place he served as an assistant coach final season below Adrian Griffin and Doc Rivers. Previous to that, he was the top coach of the Detroit Pistons’ G-League staff the Motor Metropolis Cruise for 2 seasons, the place he led the staff to a 52-44 report and reached the G-League Convention Semifinals in 2022.
Bakker has no direct connection to Charlotte’s new administration and training employees, as he has by no means labored or coached with anybody there. Nonetheless, Adrian Griffin, who labored alongside Charles Lee for a number of seasons, was concerned within the choice to rent Bakker, so it is possible that Griffin gave Lee a constructive suggestion.
Bakker has a powerful background, having labored as an assistant coach within the NBA final 12 months, the place he coached star gamers like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With over a decade of expertise in and across the NBA, he is likely one of the most skilled head coaches the Swarm have ever employed.
The Motor Metropolis Cruise normal supervisor described Bakker as “An awesome communicator, a instructor who has the instruments to speed up the expansion of our gamers and our staff.” You may study extra about DJ Bakker within the video beneath.
Bakker is coming into his eleventh season within the NBA. He began in Chicago working within the Bulls’ video division. Bakker additionally labored as a sophisticated regional scout for the Orlando Magic and as a participant growth assistant for the Dallas Mavericks. Earlier than becoming a member of the NBA, Bakker was a participant growth coach for Tim Grover, the famed basketball coach who labored with Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade and different high NBA stars.
MORE HORNETS STORIES ON SI
ESPN Analyst Questions LaMelo Ball’s Potential to Play Profitable Basketball
What number of wins will the Charlotte Hornets have in 2024-25?
Bally Sports activities’ marriage to the Charlotte Hornets continues…however for the way lengthy?
Charlotte Hornets Start Seek for Subsequent PA Announcer