Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin observes the game in the second half of their NBA basketball match against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in San Antonio. The Milwaukee team secured a 125-121 victory. (Image: AP Photo by Darren Abate)
The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising move on Tuesday, firing head coach Adrian Griffin after just 43 games, despite the team boasting one of the league’s top records midway through his first season.
Search for a Replacement
Sources reveal the Bucks are swiftly exploring a shortlist of experienced and available veteran head coaches, with Doc Rivers being a top target. Talks are ongoing with Rivers about the coaching position, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
GM’s Statement and Press Conference
“This was a difficult decision to make during the season,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst in a statement. “We are working immediately toward hiring our next head coach. We thank Coach Griffin for his hard work and contributions to the team.
Interim Coaching Decision
In the interim, veteran assistant Joe Prunty will become the temporary coach. Horst is set to address the decision at a news conference on Wednesday, ahead of the Bucks’ upcoming home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Seasonal Challenges
Milwaukee hired Griffin over the summer to replace long-time coach Mike Budenholzer, who was fired after the team’s first-round exit last postseason. Following Griffin’s appointment, the Bucks made a significant trade to acquire Damian Lillard, adding pressure on the franchise to achieve success this season.
The Bucks held a 30-13 record, securing the second position in the Eastern Conference as of Tuesday night. However, despite this commendable record, challenges emerged, particularly on the defensive end. Their defensive ranking dropped from fourth last season to 22nd this year, highlighted by consecutive games where they conceded 135 and 113 points against the Detroit Pistons.
Griffin’s Background
Griffin, 49, brought 16 seasons of NBA assistant coaching experience, including the past five with the Toronto Raptors. That followed a nine-year NBA playing career.
This report used information from the Associated Press.
