Bucks Zone

Bucks players reportedly never fully believed Adrian Griffin could lead them to a title

The players reportedly had doubts whether Griffin was the right man for the job.

Jonas Panerio

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
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The 30 wins the Milwaukee Bucks have compiled may look shiny and impressive on paper, but it doesn't always tell the whole story of a team's success. Behind the scenes, there can be turmoil, doubts, and struggles that fans and analysts may not see.

According to a recent report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski, this was the case for the Bucks during the first half of their season. One major factor in the firing of head coach Adrian Griffin was reportedly the players' lack of belief in the latter's leadership abilities.

Championship in doubt

There were plenty of highs and lows during Griffin's short-lived tenure. Whether it was the impressive blowout win over rivals Boston Celtics or the embarrassing home losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Utah Jazz, the Bucks' inconsistency clearly indicated that something wasn't right.

Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Stars Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks needed help finding their groove. This led the players to doubt whether Griffin was the right man for the job.

"Multiple team sources told the Journal Sentinel throughout the first half of the season that the players never got to the point of full belief Griffin could lead them to a championship. In the end, the top levels of the organization believed this to be the case, also," Owczarski wrote.

Team leaders were frustrated

The cracks were already visible at the onset of Griffin's tenure as head coach. As early as December, many began to question his ability to be a head coach of a legitimate title contender when Lillard openly admitted not knowing what play they were running late in a game versus the Indiana Pacers. 

The voices of frustration could be heard loud and clear after the Bucks suffered stunning losses to the Houston Rockets, the Utah Jazz, and recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"One of those voices belonged to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was part of the offseason interview process that culminated with Griffin's hiring. He has been visibly – and vocally – frustrated at various points from the very beginning of the season through this past weekend," Owczarski shared.

"Other players expressed their frustration, too, from Khris Middleton indicating they're answering the same questions about the same defensive problems after games on Nov. 11, Jan. 6, and Jan. 22, to Damian Lillard often talking through trying to find his place, and rhythm, in the offense," he added.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO