Getty Image / Megan Briggs
Almost nobody would have predicted that the Milwaukee Bucks would be looking for a new coach right now. After all, the 2021 NBA Champions entered the playoffs as the number one overall seed.
But, they crashed out of the playoffs in an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the hand of the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. And, that has forced some big changes. Mike Budenholzer, considered one of the league’s best coaches, was forced out after bringing the Bucks their first NBA title in nearly 50 years in 2021.
Once the job opened up, it figured to be one of the most attractive openings of the offseason, alongside with the Phoenix Suns. Both teams are true title contenders, as opposed to the usual vacancies that are rebuilds.
Some big names were mentioned with the job, but the Milwaukee Bucks have gone with an assistant coach from the Toronto Raptors, Adrian Griffin, as their next head coach.
ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are planning to hire Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin as the franchise’s next head coach. Sides are progressing on terms of an agreement. pic.twitter.com/Kz1iydRKsF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 27, 2023
Griffin is a longtime assistant in the NBA. And, that name may be more familiar to you than you think because his son, AJ, was a first round pick of the Atlanta Hawks last year. He had a great rookie year, shooting 39% from three-point range and looks like he has the potential to be a solid NBA player for a long time.
As for the Milwaukee Bucks and their new coach, it seems like superstar Giannis Antetekounmpo had a lot to do with the hire.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo vouched for Adrian Griffin to become the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 27, 2023
And, the memes and commentary are out.
Adrian Griffin when he gets praised by the entire fanbase for making a basic defensive adjustment pic.twitter.com/jybzwSYAy4
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) May 27, 2023
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Adrian Griffin has a fantastic opportunity in front of him with Milwaukee. I wish him well.
I’m happy the Raptors didn’t promote him. Nothing against him. I just don’t want any faces from the old regime in charge. New philosophies. Fresh start. Fresh coat of paint.
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) May 27, 2023
Adrian Griffin had a big resume but is also a big risk similar to Ime Udoka.
Could really workout for the Bucks. Always a big risk to trust a guy like Giannis with a first year HC.
Wish him all the luck
— Per Sources (@PerSources) May 27, 2023
Make no mistake, the Milwaukee Bucks and Adrian Griffin have a big offseason ahead of them. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez are free agents. But, if they can bring those two back, they will be title contenders again.