The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to make Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin their new head coach, according to an Associated Press source. Griffin, who has been an assistant with the Raptors since 2018, will become the Bucks’ first African-American head coach in franchise history.
Griffin has been a part of the Raptors’ coaching staff since the 2018-19 season. During his time with the Raptors, Griffin has helped lead the team to two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a championship in 2019. He was also part of the Raptors’ staff that won the NBA Championship in 2019.
Prior to joining the Raptors, Griffin spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015-2018. During his time with the Thunder, Griffin helped lead the team to three consecutive playoff appearances and a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2016.
Griffin has also served as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls from 2010-2015 and the Orlando Magic from 2007-2010. He began his coaching career as a player development coach with the Dallas Mavericks from 2004-2007.
Griffin is a former NBA player who played for six teams during his nine-year career. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1998 and went on to play for the Mavericks, Bulls, Magic, Seattle SuperSonics, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks are hoping that Griffin’s experience as a player and coach will help them reach their goal of winning an NBA Championship. Griffin is known for his defensive acumen and is expected to bring a defensive-minded approach to the Bucks’ coaching staff.
The Bucks have had a successful run in recent years, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 and 2020. With Griffin now at the helm, the Bucks are hoping to take the next step and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.
