Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his surprise and disappointment regarding the abrupt firing of coach Adrian Griffin in a recent media session. The Greek Freak, following a stellar performance that contributed to the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, emphasized his trust in the ownership and front office’s decision-making process.
“This is the thing that I don’t like about the NBA. It’s a crazy business. Yesterday, 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. People being traded, people being waived, people have to change their whole lives just like that. And out there, people creating a narrative that’s not.”
Antetokounmpo lamented the unpredictable nature of the NBA business, where coaches and players can be swiftly traded or released, altering lives in an instant. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the inevitability of such decisions in the competitive landscape of professional basketball.
“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. Like ‘Oh, he did not have a good relationship with Griff.'”
“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.”
During Giannis Antetokounmpo's postgame press conference tonight, @LoriNickel asked Giannis if Bucks coach Adrian Griffin getting dismissed felt any different to him because he was involved in the hiring process of Griffin.
Here is Antetokounmpo's four-minute response: pic.twitter.com/pDfavTIJcM
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 25, 2024
Addressing speculations and false narratives surrounding his relationship with Coach Griffin, Giannis vehemently denied any involvement in the coach’s firing. He expressed his admiration for Griffin and clarified that he had a positive connection with him, going so far as to invite him to his wedding. The two-time MVP stressed that decisions regarding coaching hires are ultimately made by the front office, not players.
In response to accusations that his critiques of the team’s performance contributed to Griffin’s dismissal, Giannis asserted his role as a player and emphasized that his primary responsibility was on the court. He dismissed the notion that players dictate coaching decisions and highlighted the complexity of the management’s task in making tough choices.
Giannis also provided insights into the dynamics of team management, revealing that while players may be consulted on certain matters, they don’t wield decision-making power in hiring or firing coaches. He underscored his commitment to playing his best on the court and refraining from involvement in off-court decisions.
As the Bucks move forward with a new coaching direction under the appointment of Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains focused on his job—defending, blocking shots, and leading the team to victory. His remarks reflect a player’s perspective on the transient and sometimes tumultuous nature of the NBA, balancing personal relationships with the understanding that business decisions are integral to the sport.
Doc Rivers’ Main Focus Should Be To Improve The Bucks’ Defence
As Doc Rivers steps into his role as the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, his primary focus should undoubtedly be on improving the team’s defense. A stark contrast to their performance just a year ago, the Bucks currently find themselves languishing in defensive statistics, highlighting an area that requires immediate attention.
The team’s defensive rating stands at 116.7, placing them at the 20th spot in the league. This significant drop from their previous defensive prowess signals a need for strategic adjustments and a renewed emphasis on defensive schemes. Additionally, the Bucks’ struggles in generating steals, ranking 27th with 6.5 per game, further accentuate the defensive woes that Rivers must address.
A deeper look into specific defensive aspects reveals the team’s vulnerabilities. Ranking 23rd in opponents’ second-chance points (14.4) and opponents’ fast-break points (15.0), the Bucks are conceding critical opportunities to their adversaries. Furthermore, their 25th position in opponents’ points in the paint (55.0) underlines a deficiency in interior defense, an aspect that Rivers will likely prioritize for improvement.
It is worth noting that just a year ago, the Bucks were near the top in many defensive categories. Rivers inherits a team that has showcased offensive prowess, securing the 2nd spot in offensive rating with an impressive 120.6. With efficient shooting percentages both from beyond the arc and overall, the offensive end appears to be in good shape.
In light of these statistics, Doc Rivers’ immediate task is clear – rejuvenate the Bucks’ defense to align with the high standards they previously set. A balanced team, excelling in both offensive and defensive aspects, will be essential for the Bucks to regain their status as contenders in the NBA.
“Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support”
