Doc Rivers was the top candidate to replace Adrian Griffin, having helped coach him in his first NBA head coaching job.
There were quite a few ups and downs, but the Bucks' front office reached out to Rivers at the beginning of the season to see if he would be willing to serve as a veteran coach to help Griffin. As reported by The Athletic.
The meeting between Rivers and then-Bucs head coach took place before the team traveled to Las Vegas for the NBA in-season tournament, with Rivers, who was broadcasting on ESPN, saying he would be “able to provide advice and guidance to Griffin.” ” was thought. He will navigate his first NBA season with high expectations and a championship-caliber team. ”
Griffin was abruptly released by the Bucks on Tuesday as Milwaukee looks to rebuild its structure in time to compete for an NBA championship this season.
The Bucks were 30-13 at the time of his firing, but Sports Illustrated reported that several of the team's veterans, including star Giannis Antetokounmpo, had “lost faith” in the new head coach.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks contacted Rivers about his interest in the job and the two sides have had discussions.
According to The Athletic, former Nets coach and Long Island native Kenny Atkinson is also a candidate if Rivers goes down.
TNT indicated that the Bucks plan to contact Jeff Van Gundy and Nate McMillan.
Joe Planty has been appointed as the Bucks' interim head coach for the time being.
Rivers does have a resume, including 25 years of coaching experience at the NBA level and a championship in 2007-08 while leading the Celtics.
