The Greensboro Swarm have hired DJ Bakker as their new head coach for the 2024-25 season. Bakker comes to the Swarm from the Milwaukee Bucks, where he served as an assistant coach under Adrian Griffin and Doc Rivers last season. He previously spent two seasons as head coach of the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons’ G-League team, where he led the team to a 52-44 record and a 2022 G-League Conference semifinal.

Bakker has no direct connection to the new front office and coaching staff in Charlotte, as he has not worked or coached with anyone there before. However, Adrian Griffin, who worked with Charles Lee for several seasons, was involved in the decision to hire Bakker, so it is likely that Griffin gave Lee a positive recommendation.

Bakker has an impressive background: last year he worked as an assistant coach in the NBA, where he coached star players such as Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With over a decade of experience in and around the NBA, he is one of the most experienced head coaches the Swarm have ever hired.

The General Manager of the Motor City Cruise described Bakker as “A great communicator and teacher who has the tools necessary to accelerate the growth of our players and team.” You can find out more about DJ Bakker in the following video.

Bakker is entering his 11th season in the NBA. He began his career in Chicago, where he worked in the Bulls’ video department. Bakker has also served as a regional advanced scout for the Orlando Magic and as a player development assistant for the Dallas Mavericks. Before joining the NBA, Bakker worked as a player development coach for Tim Grover, the well-known basketball coach who previously worked with Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade and other high-profile NBA stars.

MORE HORNETS STORIES ON SI

ESPN analyst doubts LaMelo Ball’s ability to play winning basketball