Milwaukee Bucks have officially relieved coach Jason Kidd of his duties and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s marquee player is devastated about it.
Antetokounmpo was reportedly told about Kidd’s release before the soon-to-be ex-Bucks coach was and immediately notified Kidd.
The Bucks, using Antetokounmpo as their centrepiece towards competing for an NBA championship in future years were not living up to owners expectations, according to ESPN, who first reported the news.
It is well documented that both Kidd and Antetokounmpo are close friends.
Jason Kidd tells ESPN that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo called him about 15 minutes before Kidd was officially notified he'd been fired by the Bucks and offered to help save his job.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 23, 2018
Kidd, "He called me and said, 'Coach, this isn't right what they're about to do, but (they) are gonna let you go.' "
Kidd says he told Antetokounmpo that "I had a feeling that was gonna take place."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 23, 2018
Kidd says Antetokounmpo replied, "'What can I do? I'll call the owners, I'll call my agent."
Kidd said he told him, "There's nothing you can do. All you can do is tell the truth. That's it."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 23, 2018
Kidd said he thanked Antetokounmpo for his loyalty and that he was "thankful to be able to coach him."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 23, 2018
Jason Kidd: "I enjoyed my time in Milwaukee. There's no regrets. We took an organization that was in a bad place and shined a light on it. They're still young in running their race. Giannis is young in running his new race, as one of the best players in the world."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 23, 2018
