Doc Rivers Questioned Bucks Ownership’s Decision Which Caused A Difficult Start

Doc Rivers Questioned Bucks Ownership’s Decision Which Caused A Difficult Start

Surprisingly, the Milwaukee Bucks sacked Adrian Griffin halfway through the season and brought in experienced coach Doc Rivers, who has only coached 10 games since.

The decision to fire Griffin, who was in his first season as the team’s coach, was taken by the management even though the Bucks had the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at the time.

Doc Rivers admits he was a bit confused when Milwaukee called him

“I told [Bucks ownership] ‘I don’t understand why you’re doing this.’”

(🎥 @SiriusXMNBA )

pic.twitter.com/yOj04JgSYT

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2024

During a Tuesday interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Rivers acknowledged to the organization that he was perplexed by Milwaukee’s choice to let go of Griffin.

Rivers, whose circumstances are very different, didn’t just scratch his head and go on; instead, he questioned the Bucks’ ownership about why they were hiring Griffin and moving on. He acknowledged that he was apprehensive to accept the employment offer.

“I told our owners when they called, I said, ‘I don’t understand why you’re doing this,'” Rivers explained, referring to the firing of Griffin. “One of the things they said was, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter. We’ve done it now and we want you.’ So, that was a tough one. That’s where you have the hesitation.”

Doc Rivers revealed he attempted to influence Kawhi Leonard's perspective on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's potential

"I even brought it up to Kawhi: 'Are you sure? I think Shai's going to be an amazing player. It may take a year or two, but I think you're underestimating how good… pic.twitter.com/duPLYPv5Pv

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2024

Since it is the last thing an employer wants is for someone in a leadership position to be unsure of their circumstances, so Rivers admitting as much before even accepting the job is an enormous red flag

Despite a 30-13 start, Milwaukee dismissed first-year head coach Griffin. Before Rivers took over, the squad had a 2-1 record under interim coach Joe Prunty. Under Rivers, the Bucks have had a difficult start to the season (3–7).

The fact that Rivers hasn’t been fully committed to the Milwaukee issue might be partially attributed to the team’s dismal start since he took over at the end of January. Since taking a seat on the Milwaukee bench, the seasoned coach’s record is only 3-7.

Doc Rivers when he got the phone call from the Bucks pic.twitter.com/ry6Soor0wa

— Sideline Films (@SidelineFilmz) February 20, 2024