The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising move on Tuesday when they decided to part ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, despite their solid 30-13 start to the season. While the team's record placed them second in the Eastern Conference and NBA, there were signs that indicated their performance was not as strong as it seemed.
The most glaring issue for the Bucks was their defensive performance. Last season, they boasted the fourth-ranked defense in the league. However, this year, they plummeted to 22nd place and showed consistent struggles on that end of the court. Their defensive efforts often appeared disoriented and overwhelmed. Additionally, their net rating of 3.8 ranked 10th in the NBA, and it is worth noting that only the Denver Nuggets, who had a net rating under 4.1, won the championship in the past 20 years.
There were various red flags surrounding Griffin throughout the season that hinted at his potential shortcomings as a coach. Terry Stotts, the only coach on the Bucks' staff with previous head coaching experience, resigned just before the regular season began, reportedly due to his concerns about Griffin's coaching approach. This internal tension could have further contributed to the team's defensive struggles.
Another questionable decision made by Griffin was the defensive scheme he implemented. Despite inheriting an elite defense, he decided to make significant changes that proved detrimental. The Bucks lost an exceptional perimeter defender in Jrue Holiday, but replacing him with below-average defenders in Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley shouldn't account for such a significant drop in defensive efficiency.
It took Griffin four games into the season for players to urge him to revert to the drop coverage that had previously made Brook Lopez a Defensive Player of the Year contender. This adjustment should have been obvious from the start, and it's baffling that it required player intervention. Furthermore, Griffin continued to employ defensive strategies that exposed the team's poor perimeter defenders, leading to an influx of points in the paint by opponents.
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo, typically mild-mannered, publicly criticized Griffin in a post-game press conference. This incident highlighted the lack of cohesion and defensive strategy within the team. Griffin's response to the media, admitting that the Bucks didn't have a defensive strategy, only added fuel to the fire.
While it's unfortunate for Griffin on a personal level, his dismissal was necessary for the Bucks to address their ongoing issues. They needed to act swiftly and acknowledge that Griffin was not the answer. However, their search for a replacement raises concerns.
The principal candidate currently being considered by the Bucks is Doc Rivers. Unfortunately, this choice seems to be another potential mistake waiting to happen. Rivers has struggled in his previous coaching roles with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. The same fundamental problems have plagued him throughout his career. Though he won an NBA championship with the Celtics 16 years ago, he has yet to replicate that success.
The Bucks now find themselves at a critical juncture in their franchise's history. The decision they make regarding their next head coach will have far-reaching consequences that will define the Giannis Antetokounmpo era. This choice needs to be made wisely, considering the impact it will have on the team's championship aspirations and long-term future.
