August 27, 2024 – NBA G League (G League)
Press release from Greensboro Swarm

Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson announced today that the organization has hired DJ Bakker as head coach of the Greensboro Swarm. Bakker will be the fourth head coach in franchise history. An 11-year NBA coaching veteran, Bakker most recently served as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks (2023-24).

“We are very excited to introduce DJ Bakker as the head coach of the Greensboro Swarm,” said Peterson. “DJ brings 11 years of professional coaching experience, an extensive background in player development and talent evaluation, and is a proven leader at the NBA and G-League levels. His communication skills allow him to build strong relationships with his players and staff, and his emphasis on work ethic, preparation and development aligns with our organizational values. We look forward to beginning our partnership with DJ and welcome him, his wife Laura and their family to the Carolinas.”

Prior to his time in Milwaukee, Bakker spent five seasons (2018-23) with the Detroit Pistons, first as a player development coach before being promoted to assistant coach. Beginning with the inaugural 2021-22 season, he served as head coach of the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s affiliate team in the NBA G League, compiling a 39-25 (.609) record in two years.

Bakker’s NBA coaching experience includes roles in player development with the Dallas Mavericks (2015-16) and Toronto Raptors (2016-18). During his time in Toronto, Bakker worked on development programs for Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell.

“I want to thank Jeff Peterson and Charles Lee for this incredible opportunity to join the Hornets and Swarm organization,” said Bakker. “In my conversations with them, it quickly became clear that we share the same fundamental basketball values ​​and philosophies. I fully believe in their vision of accountability, hard work and player development and look forward to implementing those traits daily with the Swarm. Our fans can expect a team that competes every night, plays with passion and works on both ends of the court. I can’t wait to get started.”

Bakker spent one season (2013-14) as a Regional Advance Scout for the Orlando Magic and began his NBA career in 2009-10 as a video coordinator with the Chicago Bulls. In addition to his NBA experience, Bakker also worked for three years as a player development coach under renowned coach Tim Grover at ATTACK Athletics in Chicago.

A native of Highland, Indiana, Bakker played basketball at Trinity Christian College, where he earned a degree in business administration. He and his wife, Laura, have three children – Chasity, Kinsley and Benson.

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