Fansided

3 teams that could upgrade from hiring Mike Budenholzer

By Nicholas Chiarito

Mar 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Budenholzer before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Budenholzer before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 12: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammate Pascal Siakam #43 against the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 12: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammate Pascal Siakam #43 against the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /

Teams that need Mike Budenholzer: 2. Toronto Raptors

Since the 2019 NBA Finals, the Toronto Raptors have been one of the most up-and-down teams in the NBA. In 2020 they finished with the second-best record in the league at 53-19, in 2021 had a record of 27-45, in 2022 finished 48-34 and this year finished with a record of 41-41.

The Raptors have a nice core with Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred Vanvleet. This is very similar to the core of the 60-win 2015 Atlanta Hawks team that Bud coached, with Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, and Al Horford. Adding Bud could have a similar effect on the Raptors as he did with the Hawks, where the Raptors would have four All-Star to borderline All-Star players with a great bench too. He could lead the Raptors back to a 50-win season and become a serious contender in the East.

The addition of Bud would also improve the play of the Raptors’ 2021 first-round pick and 2022 Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes. He is a 6-foot-9 power forward and is extremely versatile but didn’t improve much after his stellar rookie year. Bud could have a similar effect on Barnes as he did with Antetokounmpo, helping him evolve into the best version of himself.

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