When Bucks general manager Jon Horst announced the firing of coach Adrian Griffin on Tuesday, just 43 games into the season, many were left shocked. The decision came as a surprise to fans and players alike. Horst held a news conference the following day to address the move, emphasizing that it was not influenced by player input but rather his determination to enhance the coaching staff and capitalize on the team’s championship potential this season.
Contrary to speculations, Horst denied allegations that Griffin had lost the confidence of the players. He explained that the decision was solely based on his evaluations as the general manager and the organization’s commitment to getting the best out of the team. Horst stated, “This is my job. This is the organization’s job at the top to evaluate every single day all areas of the organization and feel like whether we’re getting or not getting the most we can out of that group.”
Enter Doc Rivers
Although an official announcement is yet to be made, sources have confirmed that Doc Rivers will be the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Horst refrained from commenting on the matter until the deal became official. However, he did elaborate on his motives for making such an unexpected move, despite hiring Griffin just last June when the Bucks were performing exceptionally well.
Horst acknowledged that the dynamics of the team had shifted since Griffin’s hiring. The acquisition of superstar Damian Lillard propelled the Bucks into a new realm of potential success. Horst explained, “The dynamics and the things that changed after that I think created even more of an urgency. These are special opportunities. The talent became even more special. The commitment to the team even more significant.”
Under Griffin’s leadership, the Bucks boasted the second-best offensive efficiency in the league. However, their defensive performance suffered, dropping from fourth last season to 22nd this season. Horst attributed this decline, in part, to the absence of All-Star guard Jrue Holiday, who was traded to the Boston Celtics. He emphasized the need for improvement on the defensive end, stating, “Defensively, we have a talented group I think that can be better than what they’ve been so far. We’ve had points throughout the season where we’ve been very good defensively. We’ve had points where we’ve really struggled. So, trying to find a consistency and identity on that side is part of this.”
With Rivers’ official hiring pending, Joe Prunty took charge as the interim head coach for the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Prunty has prior experience as an interim coach, boasting a record of 21-16 with the Bucks in the 2017-18 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation, Horst expressed confidence that a new coach would have enough time to make a significant impact on the team. With 39 games remaining in the regular season, the Bucks hope to find their rhythm and solidify their identity under new leadership.
The decision to make a coaching change mid-season may seem risky to some, but Horst believes there is ample time for the team and the new coach to gel and find their stride. He admitted that the timeline may feel shortened, but in the fast-paced world of the NBA, quick transitions are not uncommon. Horst remains optimistic, stating, “I believe that there is enough time for them to find an identity, find a rhythm together and continue to grow.”
The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to fire Adrian Griffin has undoubtedly surprised the basketball world. Whether or not the move pays off remains to be seen. With the imminent arrival of Doc Rivers and the team’s championship aspirations, the Bucks are ready to take a gamble in their pursuit of greatness.
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