Milwaukee Bucks hire Craig Robinson, Obama's brother-in-law, as team exec
The hiring of an NBA team executive for any position short of the general manager’s gig is rarely reported outside of the transaction pages. Unless the hire in question is a former league legend or celebrity in his own right, these sorts of moves are usually only noted so as to give the pens behind next season’s team program something to jot down.
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You tend to make an exception when a sitting President’s brother-in-law is involved, though.
Craig Robinson, the former Oregon State coach who is the brother of First Lady Michelle Obama, has taken over as Vice President of Player and Organization Development with the Milwaukee Bucks. This is Robinson’s first job with an NBA team.
From the team’s press release:
“Player development is instrumental to the success of our players on the court and their valuable impact in the community,” said Bucks co-owner Wes Edens. “We strive to equip every member of our organization with the tools they need to find personal success beyond basketball. As we continue to build a world-class franchise, we’re thrilled to have someone with Craig’s experience and character join our team and help our players reach their full potential on and off the court.”
Robinson will oversee the development and implementation of programs that support the professional and personal growth of players through education, mentorship, business and community efforts that align with the mission and goals of the Bucks organization.
“It’s so important to surround our young players with talented and experienced people that can help mentor and guide them through the different stages of their careers,” said General Manager John Hammond. “Craig has an impressive set of qualifications that we feel will be beneficial to our players and our entire organization. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Bucks family.”
Robinson was let go by Oregon State in 2014 after compiling a 93-104 record in six up and down seasons with the squad. Prior to his turn with the Beavers he excelled as coach at Brown University, moving up from several low-paying entry-level assistant coaching jobs prior to his hire with that Ivy League school. The low pay in question wouldn’t be noticeable but for the fact that Robinson left a well to-do life as a bond trader to re-join the basketball ranks.
A former player and graduate of Princeton, Robinson was drafted in the fourth round by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983, but never played NBA ball. He played two seasons overseas in England before returning stateside to earn his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Thon Maker jokes aside, the Bucks have a young roster that in the right hands could act as one of the league’s great experiments, especially with the lengthy and versatile Giannis Antetokounmpo running at point guard. The franchise has undergone quite an overhaul since being sold in 2014 to a group including Edens and Marc Lasry, though it is unclear at present what Robinson’s role will be under ostensible GM John Hammond and de facto personnel chief and head coach Jason Kidd.
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Kelly Dwyer is an editor for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
