The Milwaukee Bucks have swiftly moved to replace the recently dismissed head coach, Adrian Griffin, with reports suggesting that they are in negotiations with NBA championship-winning coach Doc Rivers. Griffin’s abrupt departure comes as a surprise, given the Bucks’ solid performance, ranking second in the Eastern Conference with a 30-13 record. Rivers, who was serving as a consultant to Griffin, was let go from his coaching role at the Philadelphia 76ers last May and has been in the broadcasting booth this season.
Doc Rivers is reportedly in talks with the Milwaukee Bucks to become the new head coach, just over six hours after Adrian Griffin’s shock dismissal.
BREAKING: Doc Rivers is finalizing an agreement to become the next coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. The Bucks are getting the coach they targeted over the past 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/SP16vhYJDP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 24, 2024
Griffin’s firing was unexpected, considering the Bucks’ strong performance, making it the best record held by a dismissed head coach during a season since 2015-16.
Assistant coach Joe Prunty is expected to take over as interim head coach until a permanent successor is appointed.
If I had a nickel for every time the Bucks fired a head coach and made Joe Prunty the interim head coach, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice https://t.co/s88puRlecb
— Brook LOBpez (@BrookLOBpez) January 23, 2024
There were rumors circulating in NBA circles that several Bucks veterans, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, had lost faith in Griffin, contributing to the decision.
Griffin’s last game in charge was a 122-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
The Bucks are reportedly seeking an accomplished and veteran head coach to maximize their championship window, leading them to consider Doc Rivers as a serious candidate.
Rivers, a championship-winning coach, was let go from his head coaching role at the Philadelphia 76ers after a loss in the conference semi-finals last May.
The decision to replace Griffin reflects the Bucks’ win-now mentality, especially after acquiring Damian Lillard in a trade.
Reactions and Analysis:
- The news of Griffin’s dismissal is described as “shocking” by former teammate Richard Jefferson, who acknowledges the pressure on the Bucks to win a championship.
- Analysts point out that the Bucks’ suspect defense, ranking 22nd in the league in defensive rating, may have influenced the decision, as a strong defense is considered crucial for championship contention.
- The Bucks are looking for a coach who can give them the best chance to compete with elite teams in the league, aligning with their win-now approach.
Bucks fans, I come in peace. Just wanted to let you know:
Doc Rivers has lost an NBA record, 32 close out games.
Doc Rivers has lost an NBA record, 7 series when leading 3-2.
Doc Rivers has lost an NBA record, 10 game 7’s.
Doc Rivers has lost an NBA record, 12… pic.twitter.com/tiM7dpJF2C
— richard jefferson with hair (@rjeffersonhair) January 24, 2024
The situation continues to unfold, with ongoing talks between the Bucks and Doc Rivers as they aim to solidify their coaching staff for the remainder of the season.
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