PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd is taking an indefinite leave to have hip surgery.
Assistant coach Joe Prunty will direct the team in Kidd’s absence, general manager John Hammond said Sunday night after the Bucks’ 101-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
“I tried to put off surgery for as long as I could, but after consulting with my doctor, he advised that the best course of action was to have the procedure now,” Kidd said in statement released by the team.
The Bucks are 11-18 this season and 52-59 in two seasons under Kidd.
Prunty has 20 years of NBA coaching experience, including three under Kidd. He served as an assistant during Kidd’s one season coaching the Brooklyn Nets and has been with Kidd in Milwaukee the past two seasons. Prunty also is the head coach of Britain’s national team.
“I have every confidence in Joe to lead our team during my absence,” Kidd said. “Joe has many years of coaching experience both in the NBA and in international competition. He’s well-respected in the league and I know our players and coaches will give their all during Joe’s time as head coach.”
