The Milwaukee Bucks have signed general manager Jon Horst for years of expansion. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported.
During his eight-year tenure at Horst, the Bucks made the playoffs every year and reached the playoffs with a win rate of 0.647. That was the second highest mark in the league. Most importantly, Milwaukee won the 2021 NBA championship, their first title in 50 years.
He was named Executive Officer of the Year in 2019, when the Bucks ranked No. 1 in the East but lost in the final.
Horst held NBA careers in Milwaukee and Detroit, and was promoted to Bucks general manager in 2017.
The Bucks are currently in the first round of the 0-2 series holes against the Indiana Pacers.
The third game is Friday at 8:00 pm EST in Milwaukee.
Evaluation of Horst as Bucks General Manager
Among the several good decisions made during the Bucks GM, Horst hired Mike Budenholzer as head coach in 2018.
He also planned the acquisitions of Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis and PJ Tucker. All of these players play a major role in the Bucks’ title.
It is also fair to question his drafting skills.
In his first year as General Motors (2017), the Bucks chose DJ Wilson 17th. John Collins (19th), Jarrett Allen (22nd), OG Anunoby (23rd), Kyle Kuzma (27th), Derrick White (29th) and Josh Hart (30th) are still available.
Marjon Beauchamp was selected as No. 24 in 2022, and AJ Johnson ranked No. 23 in 2024.
Donte Divincenzo (No. 17 overall in 2018) is the best choice Horst makes, but Divincenzo is traded as a salary cap on the 2022 trade deadline.
Additionally, Damian Lillard's trade did not receive the rewards the Bucks hoped for. Swap Khris Middleton to Kyle Kuzma, it seems to be important at the moment.
Between drafting a fight to get quality characters like Divincenzo Go and recent deals, it's easy to see why the Bucks are now far from the title race.
