SUMMARY
- Adrian Griffin has been dismissed by the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Rumors about him bullying Thanasis Antetokounmpo went viral.
Adrian Griffin has been officially removed from his position as the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coach. He was hired by the organization shortly after the Bucks concluded their 2023 NBA Playoff run. They had an unfortunate first-round exit against the eventual Eastern Conference champions, the Miami Heat. Sources claim that there were a few issues that stemmed from Griffin’s coaching which led to his dismissal.
Fans have been wanting to know what went wrong especially since the team has achieved a 30-13 record. An X account named NBA Centel revealed that Griffin had issues with one particular player. According to the source, Giannis Antetokounmpo claimed that Griffin bullied his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
The former MVP allegedly said, “He was bullying my brother, saying ‘Thanasis is committing insurance fraud by being in the NBA.’ He had to go.” However, this is far from the actual truth and Griffin had no issues with any player in particular.
“He [Ardian] was bullying my brother, saying ‘Thanasis is committing insurance fraud by being in the NBA.’ He had to go.”
– Giannis on the Bucks firing Adrian Griffin
(Via @ChrisBHaynes) pic.twitter.com/9Vk6F7p9nN
— NBAĆentel (@TheNBACentel) January 23, 2024
The account that reported this issue is known for spreading false news and making fun of trending NBA topics. Chris Haynes of the Bleacher Report stated the front office was observant of Adrian Griffin’s training sessions. And they weren’t happy with what they came across. While the Bucks have been dominant offensively, they have taken a step back on defense, which was what they were most known for.
Adrian Griffin and the Bucks have parted ways on good terms
Adrian Griffin spared a few minutes of his time and spoke to Bleacher Report. He told them that he was grateful for the time he had spent with the Bucks. “I appreciate the opportunity the Bucks gave me. You can’t control everything… couldn’t have asked for a better roster. I got to coach Giannis, Dame, Khris, and Brooks. Dream come true. Hopefully, I get another shot at it, but overall, I’m just thankful.”
Griffin did not have any issues with anybody on the roster. However, one instance that led to his dismissal was well appreciated by the Bucks players involved. Following the team’s In-Season Tournament loss against the Indiana Pacers, Griffin conducts an airing-out session with players he mentioned in his statement.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Head Coaching Candidates:
• Doc Rivers
• Jeff Van Gundy
• Nate McMillan(Via @ChrisBHaynes / https://t.co/6t8kCzV6hN) pic.twitter.com/Yy9wPPFG0o
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 24, 2024
Haynes stated that the Bucks players including Giannis believed that it was a much-needed talk that the roster had. The Bucks ended up winning multiple games after their loss to the Pacers. However, they weren’t necessarily convincing enough to show that they’re a championship team. Doc Rivers has been in talks to become the Bucks’ newest head coach.