After a tumultuous stint as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Darvin Ham’s reputation took a hit. Despite this, the Milwaukee Bucks recognized his value and brought him on board to assist under Doc Rivers. While the Bucks had a rocky start to the season, Ham’s impeccable record in the NBA Cup has remained untarnished, drawing praise from those around the league—including Draymond Green, who doesn’t see it as mere luck.

The Bucks dominated the group stages of the NBA Cup, boasting the largest point differential at +50. Such a feat doesn’t happen by accident, and Green was quick to acknowledge the coaching impact. “Got to give Doc a lot of credit for riding the ship. D Ham over there on the bench, you know, their leader is Dame,” Green said on his podcast, emphasizing the collaborative effort.

What truly caught Green’s attention, however, was Ham’s ability to make key adjustments. Even though Ham isn’t the primary decision-maker, Green feels his intellect shines in tournament-style play like the NBA Cup. “In a setting like this, Ham’s adjustments make all the difference,” Green remarked, underscoring Ham’s influence on the Bucks’ success.

Green believes Ham could benefit from a career shift akin to that of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick. “If I’m a college, I want Darvin Ham in these one-and-done situations because of the adjustments that he’s shown in these NBA Cups from game to game. And you come to those adjustments, come with those adjustments into college. You win this tournament,” Green confidently stated.

Belichick recently made an astounding move to North Carolina. Green feels Ham could take a similar trajectory. But it will be hard given how impressed Doc Rivers is with having Ham by his side.

The Bucks and Rivers are very happy with Darvin Ham

Before joining the Lakers, Ham played the role of an assistant under Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee. Hence, not only did he arrive with prior knowledge of their ways, but he also shared a great dynamic with the players. Rivers, who couldn’t make sense of the Lakers firing him, said it was a no-brainer to welcome him back.

“First of all, he’s been here even longer than me. He knows things that I didn’t know. He has relationships with the players. Another guy that can trust. Trust is so important for players. And more importantly, he deserves it… Darvin Ham’s a coach, he should be on the sidelines, and I wanted him next to me,” he said last month.

So far Milwaukee has impressed. The dynamic between Giannis Antetokounpo and Damian Lillard has improved tremendously. Additionally, the Greek Freak is having a surreal campaign in the NBA Cup averaging nearly 32 points per game on 70.6% shooting. Their bench has also contributed consistently ranking 11th in scoring in the tournament. It’s a mark better than their 17th place during the regular season.

Ham’s impact, particularly his timeliness is fully showing out with Milwaukee this season. In a college tournament, where every game is a decider, such a skill is invaluable. However, what matters is the fact that being a head coach is different from being an assistant. But in that regard,  Ham did lead the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals and a Cup win. Do you agree with Draymond Green? Let us know your take in the comments below.