The confidence in Adrian Griffin didn't last long, even after Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo guaranteed his acquisition before being hired by Milwaukee.
But that quickly changed Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reports. Before Tuesday's abrupt firing of the head coach, Antetokounmpo and other Bucks veterans said they had “lost faith in Griffin.”
Rumors about players' feelings toward Griffin have been circulating in NBA circles for weeks, according to reports.
The Bucks decided to fire Griffin despite a 30-13 record, the first since David Blatt went 30-11 before being fired by the Cavaliers in 2016. This is the best result.
Antetokounmpo spoke positively about the former Toronto Raptors assistant coach during the Bucks' interview process and played a big role in hiring Griffin in the first place.
The NBA superstar met Griffin. As reported by Chris Haynes at that time.
Antetokounmpo, along with fellow star Khris Middleton, had dinner with general manager Jon Horst and the ownership team to help decide on a coach.
But concerns about the team's defense (Milwaukee allowed the sixth-most points per game at 120.5) were apparently enough for the front office to make changes.
The Bucks' defensive rating of 116.8 ranks 22nd in the NBA, a significant drop from last season's 110.9.
This situation is reminiscent of when the Cavs fired Blatt.
at that time, Cleveland.com reported The Cavs similarly “lost faith” in Blatt, and Cleveland's front office took the same action as Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The Cavaliers went on to win the NBA championship under coach Tyronn Lue.
The Bucks are currently said to be interested in hiring Doc Rivers for the job. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Milwaukee has not yet reached talks with the former NBA coach.
They are expected to reach out to Rivers' base soon to gauge his interest.
