The Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant decision by parting ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, a move confirmed on Tuesday.
General manager Jon Horst, in an official statement, acknowledged the complexity of the decision during the ongoing season and expressed the organization’s immediate focus on securing a new head coach. Coach Griffin’s contributions were recognized and appreciated by Horst.
The specific reasons leading to Griffin’s dismissal have not been explicitly outlined, leaving room for speculation. In the interim, assistant coach Joe Prunty has been appointed to fulfill the head coaching role. General manager Jon Horst is set to field questions from the media on Wednesday, shedding light on the team’s decision-making process.
Reports circulating in the NBA community suggest that Doc Rivers, an experienced and respected coach in the league, is a top contender for the vacant coaching position.
Negotiations are reportedly underway, and Rivers has been informally assisting Griffin in recent weeks at the Bucks’ request. Should talks with Rivers not result in a deal, the team is also considering Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson for the coaching role.
Adrian Griffin’s tenure as head coach was relatively short-lived, spanning 43 games. He took over the position during the offseason, succeeding Mike Budenholzer, who was relieved of his duties after the Bucks‘ disappointing exit from the playoffs in the first round against the Miami Heat last season.
Griffin’s transition from an assistant coaching role to the head coaching position marked a significant step in his coaching career.
Prior to his head coaching stint, Griffin had accumulated 15 seasons of experience as an assistant coach with various NBA teams, including the Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Toronto Raptors. His NBA journey also includes a notable nine-season playing career from 1999 to 2008.
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