bucks general manager John Horst He said that the team’s expectations changed after the hiring decision was made. Adrian Griffin I am writing this as a head coach. Jim Ouchalski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Horst met with members of the media before tonight’s game and explained why management thought a coaching change was necessary despite the team’s 30-13 start.
Horst noted that when Griffin took the job in early June, there was so much uncertainty on the roster that a first-time head coaching position seemed more likely. Things changed throughout the summer, as Milwaukee was able to reach a contract agreement with . khris middleton and brook lopez and trade Damian Lillardit connected Giannis Antetokounmpoextension. With all of these pieces firmly in place, the front office felt a new sense of urgency to make the most of the championship window.
“When we hired Griff, it was a huge undertaking, but it was also a great opportunity. Both were true.” Horst said. “I think the dynamics and changes that followed made it even more tense and made it even more urgent. These are special occasions. The talent became even more special. The commitment to the team became even more important. And I think that added to the urgency. It’s not because I’m scared of making a mistake. I made a lot of mistakes. I think Griff is still the head coach. The guy is 30 years old to 13 years old. This was a very difficult decision. This is my evaluation and evaluation of myself (Team Representative) Peter Fagin) and ownership group will consider how to best provide resources to this team to maximize this window. It’s less about what Griff did or didn’t do. ”
Holst mentioned the awkward situation that can arise when this kind of big move is announced on social media. He met with the players before today’s shootaround and explained why the coaching change was deemed necessary.
Horst also expresses confidence in interim coach Joe Planty, he said he has been in this situation before and is “fully aware” that the organization is in the process of hiring a new head coach.Mr. Horst declined to comment. doc riversIt has been reported that he has agreed in principle to take over the team, but has indicated that he wants to fill the position as soon as possible.
“What we’re looking for now is a path to move forward and maximize this group from a leadership standpoint and from an experience standpoint.” Horst said. “We want to bring in a coach that can really take us to the next level that we think we can go with this group. It’s not just about coaching. The players have to get better, they need to improve. , and my group has to continue to think about ways to improve our roster, but I think coaching is a factor in helping us get better.”
Horst also addressed the issue of having to pay the salaries of three head coaches. mike budenholzer He had two years left on his contract when he was fired in May. Horst acknowledged that it was some of the “difficult decisions” that come with running a team and praised the owner’s commitment to winning.
Horst expressed confidence that the new head coach can fix the defensive deficiencies and other issues that arose under Griffin and position the team for a long playoff run.
“It’s a condensed period in terms of the calendar, but when you think about the NBA world, especially what our really smart, professional, mature players can do, and we have a great coaching staff around them. I think they have enough time to find their identity, find their rhythm together and continue to grow. ” He said. “So it may feel short, but things that happen in the NBA always happen quickly and transitions always happen, so I think we’ll be able to adapt well to that.”
