In a surprising turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks severed ties with Adrian Griffin, their head coach, after a mere 43 games, despite the team boasting one of the league’s top records midway through his inaugural season.
The organization is swiftly embarking on a quest to secure an esteemed and available veteran head coach, with Doc Rivers emerging as a primary candidate, as disclosed by sources familiar with the matter.
The Bucks have initiated contact with Rivers and engaged in discussions regarding the coaching vacancy, as per insider information.
“This decision was rendered with considerable deliberation during the ongoing season,” remarked Bucks General Manager Jon Horst in an official statement. “Our immediate focus is on the recruitment of our next head coach.
We express our gratitude to Coach Griffin for his earnest contributions and dedication to the team.”
In the interim, seasoned assistant Joe Prunty will assume the role of interim coach. Horst is scheduled to address the media in a press conference on Wednesday, ahead of the Bucks’ forthcoming home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Griffin was appointed by Milwaukee in the offseason to succeed the longstanding coach Mike Budenholzer, dismissed after the Bucks’ premature exit in the previous postseason.
Following the hire, the Bucks orchestrated a high-profile trade to acquire Damian Lillard, intensifying expectations for a triumphant season.
Despite an impressive 30-13 record and occupying the second position in the Eastern Conference as of Tuesday night, the Bucks have encountered challenges, particularly in their defensive performance.
A notable decline from fourth place in defense last season to the 22nd position this year, coupled with conceding 135 and 113 points in consecutive games against the Detroit Pistons, raised concerns.
Griffin, aged 49, amassed a wealth of experience during his 16 seasons as an NBA assistant, including the last five with the Toronto Raptors, following a distinguished nine-year playing career in the league.