Bucks’ Griffin appreciates chance to begin head coaching career with contender

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Adrian Griffin understands the responsibility that comes with taking over a title contender as a first-time head coach.

“Let’s be real,” Griffin said Tuesday during his introductory news conference as the Milwaukee Bucks’ coach. What first-time head coach gets to coach the Milwaukee Bucks, with all the special talent on this team? I’m extremely humbled.”

The Bucks went against the grain by selecting Griffin, who spent the last five seasons as an assistant with Toronto. He replaces Mike Budenholzer, who led Milwaukee to the league’s best regular-season record but got fired after a first-round playoff loss to Miami. Six teams have made coaching changes since the end of the regular season. The Bucks are the lone team thus far to pick someone without head coaching experience.

The Philadelphia 76ers chose former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, the Houston Rockets selected ex-Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka, and the Detroit Pistons hired former Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams. Phoenix hired Frank Vogel for his fourth NBA coaching job. Toronto still hasn’t filled its vacancy.

Bucks general manager Jon Horst said Griffin’s background as an NBA player and assistant over the last two decades made him an ideal candidate. Horst cited a comment from his assistant general manager.

“Milt Newton said throughout this process after we met with Adrian, ‘Adrian’s a head coach. He just hasn’t gotten the opportunity yet,’” Horst recalled.

Griffin, who turns 49 on July 4, already is taking steps to address his lack of experience. He confirmed Tuesday that his staff will include Terry Stotts, who spent 13 seasons as an NBA head coach, including a two-year stint with Milwaukee from 2005-07.

“To get a guy like Terry is a home run,” Griffin said. “He brings unbelievable experience.”

Griffin was an undrafted swingman from Seton Hall who ended up playing eight seasons in the NBA after toiling in lesser leagues. He has spent 15 years as an NBA assistant since the end of his playing career. He now steps into a big opportunity with expectations to match.

The Bucks fired Budenholzer just two years after he led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in half a century. The Bucks posted the NBA’s top regular-season record in three of Budenholzer’s five seasons but, with the exception of 2021, they couldn’t match that success in the playoffs.

Griffin takes over a talent-laden roster led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Griffin spoke to Antetokounmpo before he was hired and said he felt like they connected and that they have similar values.

“Yes, we have high expectations, but we’re going to embrace them,” Griffin said. “But it starts by getting to work.”