The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprising move this week by parting ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, who was dismissed midway through his first season with the team.
Despite holding a strong record of 30-13 at the time, the decision was reportedly influenced by a loss of the locker room and concerns about wasting their NBA Championship window.
Former assistant coach Terry Stotts was initially considered as a backup plan, but he resigned before the season began after a clash with Griffin.
In light of Stotts’ departure, the Bucks discreetly brought in Doc Rivers as a consultant a few months ago, following the same contingency plan. Reports of Rivers being targeted as Griffin’s replacement started circulating shortly after the decision was made.
The official announcement of Rivers’ hiring as the Bucks’ next head coach was made late Friday night, coinciding with a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team also revealed that Joe Prunty would continue as the interim head coach until Rivers makes his season debut.
In their official statement, the Bucks highlighted Rivers’ extensive coaching experience, with 24 seasons as a head coach and a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
The team expressed confidence in Rivers’ leadership qualities, innovation, and ability to maximize the potential of their talented roster.
Rivers, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement to return to Milwaukee, where he learned the game of basketball during his college years at Marquette.
Although the Bucks played another home game with Prunty in charge, Rivers is set to make his coaching debut on Monday against the Denver Nuggets.
Meanwhile, reactions from players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, have been positive. Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder, a Marquette alum like Rivers, shared his excitement about playing for Rivers, describing him as a “big uncle” and expressing eagerness to be part of the journey with the new coach. Additionally, it was mentioned that Rivers is bringing NBA coach and defensive specialist Dave Joerger with him to Milwaukee.
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