In a stunning development that’s turning heads across the NBA, former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer has broken his silence and sent a direct and emotional message to current Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. The message, which came amid Budenholzer’s transition to his new role as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, reflects not only the intensity of competition in the league but also the strong personal investment Budenholzer still feels for the city of Milwaukee and its basketball legacy.
The two veteran coaches—both with long, successful careers and championship pedigrees—find themselves at pivotal points in their respective careers. Budenholzer, who led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship and helped establish the team as a perennial contender, is now taking the reins of a Suns team that has championship expectations of its own. Rivers, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, took over the Bucks midseason in 2024 and faced immediate scrutiny after a disappointing playoff exit.
A BITTERSWEET DEPARTURE FROM MILWAUKEE
Though he had been let go by the Bucks after a stunning first-round playoff exit in 2023—despite an otherwise stellar tenure that included five straight postseason appearances—Budenholzer’s departure from Milwaukee was never quite clean-cut. According to sources close to the coach, he remained deeply connected to the organization and to the city.
In his statement released through an interview with NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Budenholzer said:
> “Milwaukee will always be a part of me. That organization gave me everything. Giannis [Antetokounmpo], the fans, the front office—they were my family. I poured my heart into that job, and I still keep an eye on how things are going. So when I see what’s happening now, I can’t help but feel invested.”
He then turned his attention directly to Doc Rivers, addressing the man now at the helm of the Bucks with a message that has resonated throughout the league:
> “Doc, this is a championship-caliber team. Treat it like one. Push those guys. Help Giannis become even greater. Don’t waste what’s there. I built something special—now it’s your turn to make it last.”
A PUBLIC DISPLAY OF RESPECT—AND PRESSURE
Budenholzer’s message to Rivers walks the line between encouragement and criticism. Though respectful in tone, the underlying implication is clear: the Bucks are too talented and too driven to settle for anything less than a deep playoff run. Coming off a season in which Milwaukee was eliminated in the first round again, this time under Rivers, Budenholzer’s comments have stirred debate among fans and analysts alike.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins weighed in:
> “That’s a coach calling out another coach without outright saying it. Bud’s basically telling Doc, ‘Don’t mess this up.’ And he’s not wrong. The Bucks didn’t bring in Doc Rivers for early exits.”
Others see the message as a mentor passing the torch. Budenholzer and Rivers have faced off countless times across their long coaching careers and have expressed mutual respect. In fact, Rivers previously praised Budenholzer’s system, especially the defensive discipline he instilled in Milwaukee.
Rivers has yet to publicly respond to Budenholzer’s message, but sources within the Bucks organization say the head coach has seen it—and is not surprised.
BUDENHOLZER’S NEW CHAPTER IN PHOENIX
Meanwhile, Budenholzer is embarking on what may be the most challenging coaching assignment of his career. Taking over a Phoenix Suns team that features Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, expectations are sky-high. The Suns, who were swept in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, are in urgent need of a new voice and fresh leadership.
Budenholzer addressed the situation during his introductory press conference in Phoenix:
> “This roster is incredibly talented. The window to win is now. I know the pressure that comes with that, and I welcome it. I’ve been through it before.”
Asked about his message to Rivers, Budenholzer smiled but stood firm.
> “Look, Doc and I have both been doing this for a long time. I’m rooting for him—just like I’m rooting for Milwaukee. But I had to say something, because I care. That’s all.”
MILWAUKEE’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE UNDER RIVERS
With Budenholzer now in the rearview, all eyes are on Doc Rivers. The Bucks have the core pieces to contend: a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, a skilled co-star in Khris Middleton, and a rejuvenated Damian Lillard. But injuries, inconsistency, and coaching changes have left the team adrift.
The clock is ticking. Rivers took over with just months left in the 2023–24 season and has had limited time to implement his system. However, excuses will wear thin fast if the Bucks don’t show clear improvement next season.
An anonymous Eastern Conference scout commented:
> “If they don’t get to at least the Eastern Conference Finals, people are going to start asking tough questions. That roster is too good to keep falling short.”
FAN REACTION: A MIX OF NOSTALGIA AND HOPE
Reactions in Milwaukee have been split. Some fans have taken Budenholzer’s message as a powerful reminder of his success and a subtle jab at Rivers’ early struggles. Others feel it’s time to move on and let the current coaching staff carve their own path.
One fan tweeted: