Doc Rivers, the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, has made significant changes to the coaching staff, including the dismissal of several assistant coaches, notably Josh Oppenheimer, who was a favorite of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. This decision comes amidst a turbulent season for the Bucks, which saw the firing of their previous head coach, Mike Budenholzer, and the hiring of Adrian Griffin before Rivers took over.
There were rumors suggesting that general manager Jon Horst initially wanted to hire Nick Nurse as head coach, but Giannis reportedly expressed a preference for Griffin. However, after a disappointing start under Griffin’s leadership, Rivers replaced him as head coach, despite Horst’s supposed inclination to promote Kenny Atkinson.
While Giannis has stated he doesn’t want a say in front office decisions, it’s believed he recommended Griffin for the coaching position. Rivers’ decision to dismiss Oppenheimer, who was instrumental in helping Giannis improve his shooting, indicates that he’s prioritizing making tough personnel decisions regardless of player preferences.
Oppenheimer’s close relationship with Giannis spanned multiple coaching regimes in Milwaukee, but Rivers’ restructuring of the coaching staff suggests a shift in priorities and perhaps a desire to assemble a team that aligns more closely with his coaching philosophy.
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