Why Did Bucks Fire Adrian Griffin? Giannis Antetokounmpo Pushed Buttons Behind the Scenes, as Per Rumors

With an unexpected decision, the Milwaukee Bucks have opted to part ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, who led the team to the second position in the Eastern Conference with a 30-13 record. Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news of Griffin’s firing, leaving fans and the basketball community confused and seeking for explanations.

The particular reason for Griffin’s termination is unknown, adding to the intrigue surrounding the incident. But there had been rumors that the Bucks’ veterans, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, had lost faith in the head coach, and that had something to do with the firing.

Due to his exit, it is obvious that as of now the assistant coach Joe Prunty will fill in as interim coach. But according to Shams Charania, the Bucks already have a person in mind and sources claim that it is the former 76ers coach, Doc Rivers. He is a widely renowned figure and has led the Boston Celtics to the NBA title in 2007-08, demonstrating his leadership and strategic abilities.

But when he most recently served as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise suffered repeated postseason failures. Even though Rivers had a powerful lineup, including the 6x All-Star and reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, the 76ers, were unable to go past the second round of the playoffs. Owing to this, the front office decided to part ways with Rivers over the offseason. While, he was fired for not producing results, with Griffin as the head coach though, the Bucks boasted a second place in the Eastern Conference rankings. So where did he lack?

Griffin lacked in improving the Bucks’ defensive efficiency

Adrian Griffin was hired in the offseason to replace Mike Budenholzer following the Bucks’ heartbreaking first-round playoff elimination as the top seed. Despite the franchise’s high expectations, Griffin had obstacles in maximizing a rebuilt squad that featured the acquisition of the 7x All-Star Damian Lillard in exchange for Jrue Holiday. The Bucks are currently holding a record of 30-13 due to their team’s offensive firepower. However, its defensive efficiency ranks 22nd in the league, which may have been the influential factor to part ways with Griffin.

Read More: “I’m Letting Him Down”: Bucks HC Adrian Griffin Takes the Blame for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Ejection Against Pistons

So, the team’s decision to make a coaching change shows its sense of urgency to solve its defensive flaws and position itself for playoff success. However, as the Bucks recover, fans and analysts will have a close eye as to who will be the successor of Griffin and aid the Bucks to glory.

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