The NBA on TNT discussed coach Adrian Griffin’s unexpected firing two days back, but Charles Barkley was not at Studio J to share his thoughts. On his return today, the Philadelphia 76ers legend started with a bitter message for the Milwaukee Bucks. While it is good news that Doc Rivers is back in a coaching suit, Barkley believes Griffin’s firing was unwarranted. 

The 1993 NBA MVP started, “This is 100% on the players”. Reports revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard faced many problems with Griffin’s coaching methods. The Bucks players believed Griffin was not the right person for them despite having a record of 30-13. However, the elephant in the room is the lack of defense, for which Griffin was blamed. 

Barkley shared, “I feel bad for Adrian, cause this is his first head coaching job. The players got him fired…Your coach can’t make you play defense. Defense is the hardest part of basketball. That’s on you…They are arguably the worst defensive team in the league. They have zero athletic ability on the perimeter… Those players gotta take some responsibility.”

In addition, Chuck was also angry at the Bucks for having a mini-dance party before their game against the Cavaliers yesterday. Barkley said, “I don’t like this at all…It’s a bad look”. 

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Clearly, the ‘Inside Guys’ are aligned on this matter. Despite their bickering, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal both find Adrian Griffin’s firing to have unjustly come as a result of the players underperforming.

“We as players gotta do it”: Shaquille O’Neal’s hit at the Bucks

The Big Aristotle shared his opinion on the matter two days ago, right after the Bucks fired Griffin. Just like Barkley, the Los Angeles Lakers legend believes the defense is on the players and not on the coach.

Shaquille O’Neal shared, “I have always been a firm believer that…we, as players, gotta do it. You know we talk about defensive numbers, you have to want to play defense.“

Apart from this, the 2000 MVP suspected, “Something else is going on…3rd best record in the league, 2nd best record in the East, new players, new coaching staff.” Shaq’s suspicion got even more after the Bucks tried to hire Doc Rivers in an urgency.

Well, the 2008 NBA champion has now signed a deal that will keep him in Milwaukee through 2026-27. Rivers is expected to start from the next game. What did you think of Charles Barkley’s comments? Do you think there is some other reason for Adrian Griffin’s firing? Share your take in the comments below.

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