Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks’ coach, and his new assistant, Darvin Ham, have been two of the NBA’s most scrutinised coaches in recent years. Their recent partnership has not put Bucks supporters at ease, as both men have a history of blowing postseason games.

NBA legend Magic Johnson is completely on board with it, though, as he expressed via his X account.

“I’m so happy that my friend and Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers has named former Lakers Head Coach Darvin Ham as his new Top Assistant!” Johnson exclaimed.

Many fans in Johnson’s replies remained skeptical, though.

“This will certainly work out well,” @franklinisbored tweeted.

“It is so over for the Bucks,” @stephenaismith said.

“In other words, you glad Ham is as far away from the Lakers as possible. lol,” @alanbarcoff tweeted.

Are the fans being severe, or is Johnson looking at the coaches through rose-colored glasses?

While Ham was harshly criticised for the Lakers’ dismal end last season, that does not tell the whole tale. The 50-year-old also won a championship in Milwaukee as Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in 2021 and shockingly led the seventh-seeded Lakers to the Conference Finals in 2023.

According to Forbes’ Brian Sampson, Ham has solid ties with many of Milwaukee’s prominent players.

“Ham is known for his strong connections with [Giannis] Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis,” Sampson explained.

“His reputation as a player’s coach, capable of fostering a supportive environment while also holding players accountable through open and honest conversations, sets him apart. This unique dynamic will allow Ham to reintegrate into the Bucks’ ecosystem seamlessly, minimizing the adjustment period typically associated with such transitions.”

 Ham’s immediate effect will be critical to the team’s stability. Rivers’ unexpected arrival in January harmed the team’s chances of winning a championship, which require stability and familiarity. Changes in coaching throughout the season are never ideal, especially if the new coach does not get along with the majority of the team. However, Ham has extensive familiarity with the team’s core.

Although Rivers and Ham have not previously collaborated, their decades of experience should allow them to immediately establish rapport. Even if they don’t, Milwaukee has enough skill to overcome coaching difficulties.

Budenholzer, for example, was ousted only two years after the 2021 championship. According to NBA insiders, the coach fell out of favour with Antetokounmpo following the Bucks’ stunning first-round exit in 2023.

Although the “Greek Freak’s” relationship with Rivers may not be any better, the superstar and his teammates have proven to flourish in such situations. Ham’s presence can only help in this aspect, as long as their mutual respect from the past remains.