Richard Sherman criticizes Bucks’ decision to fire Adrian Griffin amid rift rumors with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Adrian Griffin was hired in the offseason to replace Mike Budenholzer following the Bucks’ heartbreaking first-round playoff elimination as the top seed.

Richard Sherman criticizes Bucks’ decision to fire Adrian Griffin amid rift rumors with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Richard Sherman (Left), Adrian Griffin (Middle) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Right) (via Open Source/X)

Former NFL cornerback Richard Kevin Sherman, now a co-host on the sports debate show “Undisputed” alongside Skip Bayless, recently offered his insights on the controversial decision by the Milwaukee Bucks to dismiss rookie coach Adrian Griffin. Sherman, known for his candid analysis, shared his perspectives on the unexpected move during the discussion on the show.

Coach Adrian Griffin was let go by the Milwaukee Bucks after just 43 games in the role. Concerns arose over the team’s defensive performance, casting doubt on the Bucks’ championship aspirations, despite the acquisition of seven-time all-NBA guard Damian Lillard to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. Griffin had been appointed to his inaugural head coaching position during the summer, succeeding Mike Budenholzer, who guided the Bucks to their first title in half a century in 2021.

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While commenting on the sack, Sherman first made reference to the previous Bucks coach. He claimed that the sacking was not deserved:

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I don't think it was deserved. As a rookie head coach after you fire coach Bud (Budenholzer) who had this team playing really well throughout most of the season. I mean, all his time there, they were the highest scoring team, the most wins since 2018-2023. Then you fire him cos he loses the series to the Heat.

He then mentioned how the Bucks made sacrifices by trading defense for offense.:

You say we need another big-time scorer, another big-time playmaker. But to get him we have to sacrifice our defensive minded guard, Jrue Holiday. Who used to stop everybody.... And you get Damian Lillard who is not known for defense but is known for scoring. Damian Lillard comes over and your defense drops.

He went on to blame the Bucks’ front office for the team’s defensive struggles, rather than coach Griffin. Hence, while the Bucks are convinced they have made the right decision, Sherman believes that Griffin simply needed more time.

Giannis lost faith in Head Coach Adrian Griffin per reports

Despite a promising 30-13 record in his initial 43 games as an NBA head coach, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to part ways with Adrian Griffin. Reports indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, had lost faith in the coach. This sentiment was fueled by the team’s recent 135-95 thrashing at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Adrian Griffin and Giannis Antetokounmpo (via Open Source/X)

As the former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers gears up to take charge, Giannis and the entire Bucks squad face the challenge of justifying the coaching change with an enhanced all-around performance. Giannis recently produced a triple-double with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists, propelling the Bucks to a 126-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at home.

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