The NBA is quietly assembling a coaching roster brimming with familiar faces, but the real intrigue lies in the chemistry between these players and the new coach, Taylor Jenkins. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the arrival of Darvin Ham, Patrick St. Andrews, and Joe Boylan raises more than just questions about their roles—they challenge the very nature of modern basketball coaching. These hires aren’t just about adding names to a roster; they’re about redefining how teams build their front offices, their locker rooms, and their cultural identities. Let’s unpack why this might be one of the most significant coaching transitions in recent memory.
The Coaching Dynasty: A Brotherhood of Visionaries
Taylor Jenkins, the Milwaukee Bucks’ new head coach, has always been a man who thrives on collaboration. His 2018-19 Milwaukee staff, which included Darvin Ham and Patrick St. Andrews, was a microcosm of his philosophy: “We’re around each other all the time.” Now, with these three additions, Jenkins is not only rekindling old ties but also weaving a tapestry of expertise that mirrors his own career trajectory. Ham, the former Lakers head coach with a 90-74 record, brings a legacy of playoff contention and strategic acumen. St. Andrews, the NBA assistant coach with nine seasons under his belt, adds a layer of tactical precision and a history of working with Jenkins in Atlanta and Memphis. Boylan, the player development guru with a decade-long G League pedigree, offers a blueprint for nurturing talent beyond the court.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how these hires mirror Jenkins’ own evolution. Ham’s transition from Milwaukee to LA reflects a pattern where veterans often pivot between cities, seeking new challenges. St. Andrews’ move to Portland after Jenkins’ firing underscores a recurring theme: coaches often leave their mark in unexpected places. And Boylan’s CLA methodology—rooted in data-driven training—aligns with the NBA’s growing emphasis on analytics, a trend that’s reshaping how teams develop players. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about how teams architect their identity.
The Unseen Power of Familiarity
Jenkins’ decision to bring back these coaches isn’t arbitrary. It’s a calculated move to leverage the psychological advantage of familiarity. In sports, trust is a currency, and when a coach returns to a team with shared history, it’s hard not to see the results. Ham’s 2018-19 Milwaukee staff, which included Jenkins, was a unit that thrived on mutual respect. Similarly, St. Andrews’ work with Jenkins in Atlanta and Memphis created a network of mentorship that likely influenced his decision to join the Bucks. This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about building a culture of continuity.
But here’s the deeper question: Why now? The NBA is undergoing a seismic shift. Teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term planning over short-term wins, and the coaching staff is becoming a central hub for strategy. Jenkins’ hiring of these three is a clear signal that he’s not just building a team—he’s building a legacy. For the Bucks, this could mean a more cohesive identity, a willingness to experiment with new philosophies, and a renewed focus on community engagement.
The Hidden Implications: From Locker Rooms to Leadership
These hires also reflect a broader trend in basketball: the intersection of coaching and leadership. Jenkins, known for his collaborative style, is now adding mentors who’ve shaped the game in their own ways. Ham’s experience with the Lakers, St. Andrews’ tenure with the Grizzlies, and Boylan’s G League roots all suggest a generation of coaches who’ve seen the sport evolve. This creates a kind of coaching ecosystem where veterans and newcomers coexist, fostering a dynamic that’s both competitive and cooperative.
Yet there’s a risk: too much familiarity can stifle innovation. The NBA’s rapid pace demands adaptability, and if these coaches are too entrenched in their methods, they might become relics of a bygone era. Jenkins’ challenge will be to balance tradition with experimentation. Will he replicate the success of his predecessors, or will he pioneer a new approach? The answer might lie in how these coaches navigate the tension between legacy and progress.
A Broader Perspective: The Future of Basketball Coaching
This case study isn’t isolated. Across the league, teams are increasingly leveraging their coaching staff as a platform for influence. From the Celtics’ “Cult of Personality” to the Knicks’ emphasis on veteran leadership, the role of the coach is shifting from a singular role to a multifaceted one. Jenkins’ hiring of these three is a testament to the NBA’s evolving understanding of what a successful coaching staff looks like.
But what does this mean for the future? It suggests that coaching is no longer a solitary act—it’s a collaborative effort. Teams are investing in their staff not just for talent but for vision. The next chapter in basketball coaching may involve a blend of tradition and innovation, where experienced coaches mentor younger ones while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Conclusion: A Coach’s Legacy, Built on Connection
The arrival of Ham, St. Andrews, and Boylan isn’t just a roster update—it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that in basketball, the greatest legacies are forged in the locker room, the training facility, and the moments of shared triumph. Jenkins’ decision to bring back these coaches is a bold step, one that invites speculation about the future of the Bucks and the NBA as a whole.
Personally, I think this is the start of something meaningful. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about building a culture that values connection, resilience, and innovation. As the season begins, the real test will be whether Jenkins can translate this philosophy into a team that not only wins but grows. The answer might lie in the quiet conversations, the shared strategies, and the unspoken trust that defines every coaching relationship. In the end, the best coaches are those who know when to stay the course and when to take a risk. And Jenkins, with these three additions, seems poised to make that call.
