Former Atlanta Hawks player added to Bucks coaching staff

Former Atlanta Hawks player DeMarre Carroll has been named by Mike Budenholzer to his coaching staff per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. This is a nod to Carroll and the way that he played the game which should bring warmth to every Hawks’ fans heart.

Budenholzer was Carroll’s coach in his two years as a player for the Hawks. The Junkyard dog was a favorite of Budenholzer’s during those years given that he was not afraid to put his body on the line for what the team needed.

In fact, it was Budenholzer who was able to unlock Carroll’s potential in those two seasons. He went from averaging 6.0 points and 2.8 rebounds with the Utah Jazz, which were career bests, to 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds with the Hawks the next year. It was a true joy watching Carroll become the player he was meant to be that season.

The Atlanta Hawks connection is strong within the Milwaukee Bucks

Buldenholzer helped former Hawks All-Star Jeff Teague win a championship with the Bucks two seasons ago. He was part of the team that helped eliminate the Hawks in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals after Young injured his ankle on the referee’s foot.

While Carroll was not the most talented player in the history of the game, he gave it his all the whole way through his career. Remember that game back in the 2015 NBA Playoffs where he took the court despite barely being able to walk? He put his team first and inspired others by his example.

There is little doubt that Carroll’s focus as a coach will be to keep the Bucks’ defense at an elite level. His toughness on that end was how his career was defined. This appointment shows how much coach Bud respected Carroll who has only been retired for two seasons.

Makes you wonder if the Hawks would have had their conference-leading season back in 2014-15 if Carroll was not a part of the team. Let’s see how he is able to transfer his skillset from doing to teaching.