Reports: The Milwaukee Bucks are hiring Adrian Griffin as the next head coach

Adrian Griffin is set to become the 17th head coach in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Matthew Dugandzic | May 28, 2023

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Milwaukee Bucks

Adrian Griffin, one of the assistant coaches of the Toronto Raptors, is set to become the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Per a report by The Athletic, the Bucks are hiring Griffin following a three-week process of searching for a replacement for Mike Budenholzer, who was dismissed after Milwaukee’s shocking first-round playoff exit.

The report added that the Bucks’ search for a new coach narrowed to three choices that included Griffin, Kenny Atkinson, and Nick Nurse.

Consulting the big guns

The process included an individual meeting between the finalists and Milwaukee’s main man Giannis Antetokounmpo at his River Hills, Wisconson home on Tuesday, the report added.

Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst held a dinner to discuss the team’s decision regarding the head coach opening. Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton were invited to attend the dinner, the report said.

Citing sources, the report added that last Saturday, the search was reduced to between Griffin and Atkinson, which prompted Nurse to pull out.

The team went on to choose Griffin, who was endorsed by Antetokounmpo, the report stated. Barring any changes, Griffin will be the 17th head coach in the history of the Milwaukee franchise.

Going full circle

Interestingly, Griffin started his coaching career with Milwaukee when he was appointed as an assistant to Scott Skiles in 2008.

The 48-year-old Griffin has no head coaching experience but has served as an assistant coach for five different teams (Milwaukee, Chicago, Orlando, Oklahoma, and Toronto) in the last 15 seasons.

Published May 28, 2023

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.