Change can be good, but it can also be tiring.
Just ask Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks star said during Saturday’s All-Star Weekend press conference that adjusting to the coaching changes the team has made in recent months has been tough.
“That’s tough. That’s tough. This is my fourth coach in six months. Coach (Mike Budenholzer), coach (Adrian Griffin), (interim) coach Joe (Prunty), Doc (Rivers). . Different philosophy, different game plan. It’s difficult. It’s draining.” Antetokounmpo. According to The Athletic.
Adrian Griffin replaced head coach Mike Budenholzer after Milwaukee was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in May.
Antetokounmpo was reportedly involved in Griffin’s recruitment, but noted that his relationship with the players appeared to have strained midway through the season.
Griffin was fired midway through the season after leading the Bucks to an impressive 30-13 record, second in the NBA at the time. His tenure is tied for third-longest in history for a full-time coach.
“I’m a student of the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “When someone asks me to do something, I try to do the best I can. I try to understand what we are trying to achieve; But also so I can be there for my teammates when they have questions.”
Rivers, who led the Celtics to the NBA title in 2008, coached Griffin for 43 games entering the season.
Since Rivers started in late January, the Bucks have gone 3-7, dropping from second to third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Despite the tough start under Rivers, Antetokounmpo said he believes the veteran coach can turn things around for the Bucks.
“I love working with Coach Doc. He’s been very, very successful,” Antetokounmpo said. “We can talk all day long about what he’s accomplished throughout the league. I think he won 1,100 games in the NBA. Some guys have never even played 1,100 games.
“He brings, what can I say, a championship-level level to the team. He’s won. He’s coached a lot of successful teams over the years. When you put that player on the bench, you’ve got your own. You have to bring your best game.”
The eight-time All-Star talked about what he feels the team needs to do to finish the season on a strong note in the playoffs.
“I say, we have to get healthy. That’s no excuse,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s already been 56 games. We had to have a lot of meetings to take care of (the body).”
