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Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Surprising Comment About Adrian Griffin Firing

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“It wasn’t me!” – Shaggy – Giannis Antetokounmpo

That’s what the Milwaukee Bucks star had to say when asked about the firing of former head coach Adrian Griffin.

Milwaukee parted ways with Griffin on Tuesday night just 43 games into his tenure, despite a 30-13 record and a spot in second place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Claims He Was ‘Surprised’ By Adrian Griffin Firing

Most assumed that Antetokounmpo, the franchise’s cornerstone, had something to do with the move. But he claims otherwise.

“I’ve got to trust the front office, I’ve got to trust the ownership group that they consider the bigger picture,” Antetokounmpo said following the Bucks’ 126-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. “My job is to be the best version of myself, to lead this team out there and help win games.

“Their job is to create the best team possible and the best atmosphere around the team possible that they believe gives us a better chance to win a championship. But yeah, I do think [firing coach Griffin] was a surprise.”

Antetokounmp took things a step further, even, claiming he was close to the now ex-head coach.

“I loved the guy. I invited him to my wedding,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was coached by him and we did very, very, very well. When somebody is being hired, the GM might come and ask, ‘What do you think about that? What do you think about this?’ or whatever and not just me — players, people that he trusts their advice. But at times, they make it seem like it’s the players that are making the decision.”

Milwaukee now moves forward with Doc Rivers as its head coach. Rivers served as an unofficial consultant for the organization beginning in December.

Shams Charania reports that Rivers signed a 3.5-year, $40 million deal with Milwaukee less than 48 hours after Griffin was fired.

Bold strategy, Bucks. Let’s see how that works out for them.