### Darvin Ham Poised to Succeed Doc Rivers with Milwaukee Bucks
Darvin Ham has recently joined the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach under head coach Doc Rivers. The Bucks hired Ham to bolster Rivers’ staff following his struggles as the new head coach, brought in mid-season. Before his stint with the Lakers starting in 2022, Ham was an assistant coach with the Bucks for four seasons, during which he helped secure a championship.
Reports indicate that Ham’s return to Milwaukee may be part of a larger plan. According to reporter Gery Woelfel, Ham had offers from “several other teams” but chose the Bucks with the expectation that he might eventually replace Rivers as head coach.
For Ham, this is a strategic move. Being on Rivers’ staff positions him favorably for a head coaching opportunity. Rivers, whose hiring was controversial, finished his tenure with a 17-19 record and a first-round playoff exit against the Pacers. Another disappointing start to the season could further jeopardize Rivers’ position.
Ham’s familiarity with the team and the reported desire of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo for his return make him a likely successor. Unless Rivers can lead the Bucks to the NBA Finals or establish them as serious championship contenders, his position will remain precarious.
Despite criticism during his time with the Lakers, Ham performed relatively well as a head coach, reaching the Conference Finals and the first round in his two seasons. The Lakers’ roster was not particularly deep or talented, and Ham was often unfairly blamed for the team’s shortcomings.
Regardless of whether his next head coaching opportunity comes with the Bucks or another team, Ham is expected to land a head coaching position soon. He hopes this opportunity will come in Milwaukee.
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