Giannis Antetokounmpo Handpicks Adrian Griffin as Bucks' Head Coach

• Sports

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks took on a pivotal role in selecting the team's new head coach, reports ESPN. The choice fell on 48-year-old Adrian Griffin, a seasoned assistant from the Toronto Raptors.

This marks Griffin's first NBA head coach role, with Antetokounmpo personally championing his appointment in the face of stiff competition.

From Raptors Assistant to Bucks' New Leader

Replacing Mike Budenholzer, who was let go after a disappointing five-year tenure that culminated in a first-round playoff elimination, Griffin now assumes the helm of the Bucks' bench.

As the selection process narrowed, it became increasingly apparent that Griffin's candidacy held significant weight, backed enthusiastically by Antetokounmpo himself. Bucks' General Manager, Jon Horst, articulated the open-ended nature of the selection process, stating, "As we dive into the process and it evolves, obviously it becomes more narrow, but at this point, everything is and should be on the table." His remarks suggested a flexible, thorough approach towards the selection, underlining the importance of considering a broad pool of potential candidates before zeroing in on the most suitable one.

Antetokounmpo's active participation in the negotiations and his lobbying for Griffin with the club's owner proved instrumental. It painted a picture of the star forward's dedication to his team and the kind of leadership he envisions.

Griffin was selected over Kenny Atkinson, currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors and former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Griffin's Return to Milwaukee

Griffin, a former NBA player himself, is no stranger to Milwaukee.

He started his coaching journey as an assistant to Scott Skiles in 2008, the same year he was involved in a three-team trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Bucks. However, Griffin never played another NBA game following the trade, choosing instead to transition into coaching.

Griffin's journey has come full circle as he returns to Milwaukee, albeit this time leading the squad instead of assisting or playing. As he steps up to his new role with the backing of the team's star player, fans and observers alike are eagerly waiting to see the impact of his leadership on the Bucks' future performance.