Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo says Bucks' head coaching changes have been draining

Doc Rivers is Milwaukee's fourth coach in the last six months.

Jonas Panerio

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Stability plays a significant role in a team's success and the players' development and well-being. After all, the coach is the one who sets the tone and provides guidance both on and off the court. When there are constant changes in leadership, it can disrupt the team's chemistry and cause confusion among players.

This is exactly what has been happening with the Milwaukee Bucks this season. After former coach Mike Budenholzer was fired and replaced by Adrian Griffin late last year, the latter didn't even make it to the All-Star break, as he was fired and replaced by veteran coach Doc Rivers last month.

Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted these developments have been taxing on the team, as they have to constantly adjust to new systems and leadership styles. It's no surprise that their performance has been inconsistent and lacking in cohesion.

Fourth coach in less than six months

Though Giannis continues to put up sky-high numbers nightly, averaging 30.8 points on 61 percent shooting and 11.2 rebounds per game, he says it's been difficult for the team to find their rhythm and chemistry with constant changes in coaching. 

This is the fourth coach the Bucks have had in less than six months, a remarkable turnover rate for a team considered a top contender in the league.

"It's hard. It's hard. This is my fourth coach in the span of six months," Antetokounmpo said during his media availability at All-Star Weekend. Coach (Mike Budenholzer), coach (Adrian Griffin), (interim) coach Joe (Prunty) and Doc. Different philosophy, different gameplan. It's hard. It's draining," Giannis shared.

Gerring in sync

After sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference for most of the season, the Bucks have slid to third, winning only three of their last 10 games. Milwaukee's latest loss—a 113-110 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies—was brutal as they lost to an undermanned squad that fielded rookies and players on two-way contracts.

Giannis, though, shared he's enjoying going through the process with new coach Doc Rivers.

"I love working with Coach Doc. He's been very, very successful. We can talk all day about things he's accomplished around the league," Giannis said.

"He's won, I think, 1,100 NBA games. Some people have never played 1,100 games. He brings that level of—how can I say—a championship level to the team. He won. He's coached a lot of successful teams in the past. When you have that guy in your bench, you have to bring your A game," Antetokounmpo added.

"I have to work harder"- Giannis Antetokounmpo expresses his willingness to lead by example

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO