Bucks Zone

Report questions the viability of Adrian Griffin as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks

Is Adrian Griffin the right man for the job?

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Handing the reins of a title-contending squad to a first-time head coach is always a risky move. But that's exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks did when they hired Adrian Griffin in 2023 to be the team’s new head coach.

Griffin had an impressive playing career, spending over a decade in the NBA and earning a reputation as a gritty defender and reliable role player. He then worked as an assistant coach before the Bucks picked him over some big-name candidates. Adrian's selection piqued the interest of fans and experts alike.

Fast forward to January 2024, and those doubts were resurfacing. Despite having superstar talent in the form of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks are struggling to keep their head above water, losing four of their last five games.

Defensive woes

A lot of Milwaukee’s struggles in this losing stretch stem from their defensive woes. To put it mildly, the Bucks’ defense stinks and allows opponents to score nearly 120 points per game. 

With perimeter players that don't defend on a high level, it’s no wonder that opposing teams can light them up from beyond the arc like the Utah Jazz did in their previous encounter.

“The Bucks went from the NBA’s fourth-best defense to the 22nd in one year. From the second-best defensive rebounding team to the 14th. From allowing the 13th-fewest points in the paint to giving up the fifth-most,” Brian Sampson wrote.

Inability to adjust

The loss of excellent perimeter defenders like Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen has undoubtedly played a part in the Bucks’ defensive decline. However, the team’s issue runs deeper, and some of it points to Griffin’s stubbornness.

“Adrian Griffin has been stubbornly trying to implement his preferred scheme with a roster that has no chance of being successful,” Sampson shared, referring to Griffin’s desire to have his players press up on their opponents, essentially leaving the lane open for penetration.

“Instead of adapting his defensive strategies to his personnel, he’s asked his personnel to adapt to his strategies. He wants his on-ball defenders guarding 40+ feet from the hoop and his off-ball guys hugging their man, preventing them from providing help when the inevitable drive to the hoop happens. It hasn’t worked through the first 40 games, and there are few signs it will ever work,” Sampson continued.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO