There are four coaching vacancies left in the NBA. All four of them are in the Eastern Conference. One is still held by an interim coach: The Milwaukee Bucks job. But while Joe Prunty is installed in the job right now, the team is very actively searching for a new leader. And far and away, it's the best job available in the league. So who's going to get it? Here are Milwaukee's five best remaining candidates.

Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon isn't getting the Bucks job. But the fact that she's getting an interview is a historic moment for women in the NBA.

She's in the process of paying her dues in San Antonio, growing under the tutelage of basketball's best mind, Gregg Popovich. But she's already won a Summer League title with the Spurs. Give her more time and she'll be in a role like this in the future.

Steve Clifford

His run in Charlotte was less than inspiring, for the most part. But he wasn't handed the best group of talent either. He was basically asked to turn Kemba Walker and a rotating cast of veterans and rookies into a consistent playoff team - didn't happen. He's still respected in many coaching circles. Milwaukee will probably go for a sexier hire, though.

Ettore Messina

Back to the Spurs coaching tree. Messina will be getting an interview with the Bucks in short order.

The Italian has only been working in the NBA since 2014. But the Hall of Famer in Italy won four EuroLeague titles as a coach. He's been the one entrusted with the Spurs each time Popovich has been forced to miss the time, including the playoffs following the passing of Popovich's wife. It's his time.

Monty Williams

Many recall Williams' time as the head coach in New Orleans as being sub-optimal.

He coached for five seasons, taking the team to the playoffs just twice. But he's grown since then and he's still so young, just 46 years old. Williams has spent the past couple of seasons out of coaching but still involved in the game. He has experience coaching superstars as well, with Anthony Davis beginning his career under Williams' tutelage; he'd be tasked with taking the Greek Freak to the next level.

Mike Budenholzer

Every team should be throwing all the money at Budenholzer, Milwaukee included. He's easily the most accomplished coach available, perhaps in years. He also learned under Popovich in San Antonio. The Atlanta Hawks had some of their best years in recent memory under Budenholzer, who earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2015. If the Bucks don't hire Budenholzer, they're doing it wrong.
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