Milwaukee Bucks Fire Coach Adrian Griffin After 43 Games

Photo: Instagram/Adrian Griffin

After a promising 30-13 start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have decided to part ways with head coach Adrian Griffin in a surprising move.

The Bucks, currently tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second-best record in the league, have chosen to make a coaching change amid concerns about the team's defensive performance.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, assistant coach Joe Prunty is expected to step in as the interim coach. Prunty, a seasoned assistant with previous interim coaching experience in Milwaukee and Atlanta, will take the reins as the Bucks strive to maintain their competitive edge.

Photo: Instagram/Adrian Griffin

Despite acquiring seven-time all-NBA guard Damian Lillard to team up with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have faced defensive challenges, ranking 22nd in the NBA in defensive rating— a notable drop from their fourth-place ranking the previous season.

Adrian Griffin, 49, who spent 16 seasons as an NBA assistant, had been given his first head coaching opportunity this summer after the departure of Mike Budenholzer. The decision to let go of Griffin follows the Bucks' unexpected 4-1 defeat by the Miami Heat in the first round of last season's playoffs.

Griffin's coaching tenure faced an early setback with the abrupt departure of experienced assistant coach Terry Stotts before the season opener. Stotts, with over 1,000 games of head coaching experience, had initially expressed confidence in Griffin's abilities but left the staff less than a week before the season began. 

The Bucks now find themselves at a critical juncture, seeking stability and defensive improvement as they navigate the remainder of the season. (Source: NBA)

Read Next: Kyle Lowry's Social Media Move Sparks Trade Rumors Amid Struggles With Miami Heat

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