OKC Thunder: 3 coaching candidates with G-League background

Chase Buford – Wisconsin Herd:

Clearly, basketball is in Chase Buford’s DNA. After college where he played for Kansas, he followed in the steps of his father, San Antonio Spurs GM RC Buford getting into the front office side of the NBA. After stints as a scout (Hawks) and in player development (Bulls), he moved onto the G-League holding assistant coaching positions for a year with Pelicans – Erie BayHawks and two years with the 76ers – Delaware Blue Coats.

His first head coaching role occurred this season with the Milwaukee Bucks affiliate Wisconsin Herd. Although the coronavirus pandemic cut the G-League season short Buford led his Herd to a G-League best 33-10 record. The Herd achieved top 10 ratings on both sides of the hardwood and Buford finished second in Coach of the Year voting.

The bench boss made news this season when he got suspended two games for an NSFW rant aimed at officials. The Bucks have exercised Buford’s option for the upcoming season. However, as per Marc Berman of the New York Post, there is uncertainty whether there will be a G-League 2020-21 season. With that in mind, perhaps the Bucks would allow Buford to entertain leaving for a career ascending move.

Certainly, the passion is evident with Buford and his Spurs affiliation would align with the OKC Thunder penchant for emulating San Antonio’s system. That said, in spite of Buford’s rapid rise he likely needs a bit more time to polish his head coaching skills or time as an assistant on an NBA varsity squad.