Adrian Griffin’s termination probably indicates further changes ahead for the Bucks.
The buzz surrounding Milwaukee persisted, from assistant coach Terry Stotts’ departure before the season to the Bucks’ struggles during the in-season tournament, marking a turbulent start to Adrian Griffin’s tenure as first-year head coach.
On Tuesday, despite a 30-13 record and the NBA’s second-ranked offense, Milwaukee relieved Griffin of his duties. Sources revealed to Yahoo Sports that the Bucks’ porous defense and the confusion among players and staff about the team’s strategic approach presented significant obstacles, particularly in a crucial season aimed at reclaiming the championship won with Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021.
The high stakes led Milwaukee to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer last spring, following the team’s early exit from the postseason. The urgency to deliver a contending opportunity prompted the Bucks to hire veteran coach Doc Rivers swiftly, pulling him from ESPN’s broadcast booth. With little time to spare, Milwaukee sought a new voice in the locker room.
During the offseason, Antetokounmpo’s pending contract extension, worth $186 million over three years, influenced Milwaukee’s coaching decisions. Sources revealed that Antetokounmpo advocated for Griffin, previously the chief assistant coach in Toronto under Nick Nurse, known for creative defensive schemes. Despite Antetokounmpo’s preference, the clock continued ticking quietly, typical of the modern NBA landscape, where All-Stars may demand trades unexpectedly.
Griffin, once a prominent coaching candidate, faced challenges leading a team with towering expectations, compounded by Milwaukee’s acquisition of Damian Lillard. The pressure to integrate Lillard alongside Antetokounmpo, coupled with a roster of veteran players, added complexity to Griffin’s task. Despite his efforts, Griffin failed to establish a cohesive formula, unlike Budenholzer, who crafted a clear identity for the team.
The Bucks’ struggling defense, notably following Jrue Holiday’s departure, contributed to Griffin’s dismissal. The team’s swift move to hire Rivers offers a two-week window to reassess before the trade deadline. Milwaukee aims to bolster its perimeter defense, exploring trade options leveraging its second-round pick from Portland and players like Pat Connaughton and Cameron Payne.
Names like Matisse Thybulle and P.J. Tucker are under consideration, while targets like Dejounte Murray and Bruce Brown Jr. pose salary challenges. Milwaukee’s front office, led by Jon Horst, has a track record of seizing opportunities, evidenced by past trades and acquisitions. Griffin’s departure marks the beginning of a strategic transition as Milwaukee aims to maintain Antetokounmpo’s prominence on the NBA stage.
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