First-time head coach Adrian Griffin has spent the past 15 years as an NBA assistant.
Sackville (AP) – New Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin says he’s eager to build a better partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, though the two-time league MVP plans to hold off on signing a contract extension with the team.
Antetokounmpo said The New York Times Last month, he wanted to see how determined the Bucs were to win another championship Before deciding Should I sign a long-term contract to stay in Milwaukee? The Two-time MVP bucks’ A recent coaching change And said he wants to „see the dynamics” of how everything works with the new staff before making a decision.
„Gianis and I are on the same page,” Griffin said Monday during a golf event benefiting the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation. „We’ve had a great relationship so far. He’s been a pleasure to know. He wants to win and I want to win. It’s as simple as that. I respect him. I respect what he’s accomplished in this league. We’re in this together to win. I have no problem with that. . I think it’s a great partnership. We’re going to lead the team together. When he leads, others will follow. I think it’s great.
Antetokounmpo is Agreement Runs through the 2024-25 season, with a player option for 2025-26.
Griffin said he is ready to start training camp on Oct. 3 after Antetokounmpo and forward Khris Middleton both practice. Knee surgeries During the holiday season.
„That’s the plan,” Griffin said. “They’re working hard every day in the gym. I think the most important thing is to take it day by day. That’s what they do. It was very nice.
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks First NBA title in half a century in 2021 but did not advance beyond the second round of the playoffs. The Bucks had the NBA’s best regular season record last season Lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.
After that shocking playoff loss, the Bucs Fired Mike Budenholzer As a trainer and Griffin was hired, He spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. Griffin said Monday that he understands the expectations that come with the job, and that he and Antetokounmpo have similar goals.
„We’re aligned,” Griffin said. „We’re here to win. One thing I’ve talked about with my team and our staff is to embrace expectations. We have a good roster. Instead of running from it, we want to embrace it.