Bucks Zone

Adrian Griffin expresses appreciation for being given a chance to coach the Milwaukee Bucks

No matter how short-lived it was, Adrian Griffin gave thanks.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

No matter how short-lived the stint was, former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to live out his dream job—to be an NBA head coach.

Griffin was dismissed from his position four months after the Bucks took him in to replace Mike Budenholzer. Although Milwaukee holds the second-best record in the NBA at 30-13, there were plenty of questions regarding his ability to lead a loaded squad led by two future Hall of Famers, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

Despite the abrupt exit at the halfway point of the season, Griffin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

Felt good about the accomplishment

A veteran of the NBA, both as a player and as a coach, Griffin understands there’s only so much he can control in a volatile league where championships often measure success.

"I appreciate the opportunity the Bucks gave me. You can't control everything," Griffin said in a talk with Bleacher Report.

"I feel good about the job we did. I appreciate my coaching staff for all their hard work. I always wanted to be a head coach in this league. I couldn't have asked for a better roster. I got to coach Giannis, Dame, Khris, Brook. Dream come true. Hopefully, I get another shot at it, but overall, I'm just thankful."

The writing was on the wall

According to Chris Haynes, the writing was on the wall as early as last week when high-ranking officials of the Bucks’ front office led by general manager Jon Horst and assistant GM Milt Newton began taking in practices and shootarounds up close.

“Observing isn't uncommon, as most executives do so from a distance while standing near their office. But the Bucks' front office observing from the sidelines of practice sessions recently began raising eyebrows of coaching staff and players, sources say,” Haynes wrote.

Doc Rivers and Kenny Atkinson are the current favorites to land Bucks head coaching position

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.