The Milwaukee Bucks have made a surprising choice to dismiss their head coach, Adrian Griffin, midway into his debut campaign.
This decision comes despite the team being tied for the second-best record in the league at 30-13 and trailing league leaders, the Boston Celtics, by only 3.5 games.
The Bucks are anticipated to appoint assistant Joe Prunty as the interim coach as they search for a permanent replacement.
Adrian Griffin lost the Bucks' locker room
Doubts about Griffin's leadership abilities intensified as early as the In-Season Tournament in December, particularly after their elimination to the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas, signaling the likelihood of impending changes.
His coaching tenure had an awkward start as assistant Terry Stotts, formerly the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers with Damian Lillard, left the team before the season began due to internal conflicts with Griffin.
Months of disappointing performance, internal worries about a significant decline in their elite defense, and concerns about using Lillard, among others, ultimately led to the decision.
Doc Rivers emerges as top Bucks head coach candidate
Former Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has emerged as a leading candidate to assume the Bucks' head coaching role, and he could be the best man to lead the team back to the promised land.
The veteran tactician, who is currently serving as an ESPN analyst on their NBA broadcasts after being let go by the Sixers last May, has started to act as an informal consultant to Adrian Griffin following the request of the Bucks, according to The Athletic.
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Why Bucks Should Hire Doc Rivers as Head Coach
1. Doc Rivers is the best head coach available on the market.
Rivers stands out as the top available candidate among head coaches unless the Bucks consider rehiring Mike Budenholzer, who remains without a job following his dismissal after the Bucks' early playoff exit in 2023.
Possible remaining candidates for the team's head coaching position include Mike D'Antoni, Kenny Atkinson, Dave Joerger, and Terry Stotts.
2. Doc Rivers' championship pedigree
Despite his lack of recent playoff success, Rivers is no stranger to the big stage. He clinched an NBA championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, triumphing over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Additionally, Rivers came close to securing a second NBA title in 2010, narrowly losing by four points in Game 7 of the NBA Finals rematch against the Lakers.
3. Doc Rivers' experience in coaching stars
The 62-year-old has also been well-versed in coaching stars throughout his coaching career, and handling Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be a walk in the park.
Rivers has successfully coached notable players such as Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady with the Orlando Magic; Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo with the Celtics; as well as Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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