In an unexpected twist, the Milwaukee Bucks bid farewell to first-year head coach Adrian Griffin, who assumed the role in the offseason, succeeding Mike Budenholzer.
Despite the Bucks holding a formidable 30-13 record under Griffin’s leadership, securing the second spot in the Eastern Conference and third in the NBA, speculations arose about the coach’s departure, suggesting a loss of confidence from the team’s stars.
Milwaukee’s superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for reportedly supporting Griffin’s candidacy, addressed the NBA’s unpredictable nature, expressing discontent with the business side of the league.
“This is the thing that I don’t like about the NBA. It’s a crazy business,” Antetokounmpo said, acknowledging the abrupt changes that occur in players’ and coaches’ lives, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
Despite rumors implying player involvement in coaching decisions, Antetokounmpo emphasized his role as a basketball player and leader, focusing on on-court contributions.
“I don’t like that aspect of it. And there’s people that get paid a lot of money to make those decisions, and those decisions are hard,” Giannis stated, respecting the challenges faced by the team’s management.
While affirming his positive relationship with Griffin, Antetokounmpo clarified that he wasn’t directly involved in the hiring process.
“I wish I did,” he admitted about having a say in decisions, but reiterated his commitment to focusing on his basketball responsibilities.
In a candid reflection, the two-time MVP conveyed his dissatisfaction with narratives that inaccurately depict player influence in coaching changes, emphasizing his dedication to the game.
“I just try to stick with basketball,” Giannis concluded, highlighting his commitment to his role on the court.
When asked about the coaching changes and the impact on the team, Antetokounmpo expressed, “Coach Griff was our head coach. Today, he’s not. And we walk in there, and it’s like he was never here. I don’t like that about the NBA, and I speak openly about it. But I understand it. It’s business.”
Giannis further addressed the narrative surrounding his relationship with Griffin, stating, “False. I loved the guy. I invited him to my wedding, you know? I talked with him. I was coached by him, and we did very, very, very well.”
Reflecting on his preference for focusing on basketball, Antetokounmpo added, “I refuse to fall into the bubble of ‘Oh, this is accurate’ or ‘Oh, this is not accurate’ because always there’s going to be something out there about me, about the team.”
