Adrian Griffin is out just four months into his first season as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks despite posting the league’s second-best record at 30-13.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, it was a locker room issue that may have led to his demise. Writes the NBA insider:
After their loss to the Indiana Pacers in the In-Season Tournament, Griffin called a meeting with Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Middleton and Lopez, sources say. All four spoke on what was working, what wasn’t working and how they could best be utilized. Griffin was stern in telling the players that sacrifice was required, sources say. He pointed out how some of their teammates would frequently be open when Antetokounmpo and Lillard would drive to the basket. And he called them out for not bringing defensive intensity on a nightly basis.
B/R Sources: Inside what led to divorce between Bucks, Adrian Griffin: “Was a dream come true. Hopefully I get another shot at it, but overall, I’m just thankful,” Griff tells @BleacherReport. https://t.co/VuppSIPpKF
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 23, 2024
Even though it was something the Bucks’ stars were reportedly receptive to, it wasn’t enough to get the team fully back on track.
It was an airing-out session the players appreciated. Milwaukee ended up winning its next seven games. But something still wasn’t right. The convincing wins were not there and the bickering in the locker room continued.
Now Milwaukee is eyeing Doc Rivers and they plan to act quickly, although other candidates like Jeff Van Gundy, Nate McMillan and even former coach Mike Budenholzer have been floated.