Milwaukee Bucks Finalizing Deal for New Head Coach

The Milwaukee Bucks have apparently zeroed in on their next clubhouse leader. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks will hire Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin to fill their head coaching vacancy.

ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are planning to hire Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin as the franchise’s next head coach. Sides are progressing on terms of an agreement. pic.twitter.com/Kz1iydRKsF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 27, 2023

The Bucks parted ways with longtime coach Mike Budenholzer earlier this month after an embarrassing early postseason exit. The Bucks finished the regular season with an NBA-best 58-24 record before losing 4-1 to the Miami Heat in the first round.

Griffin will have big shoes to fill in Milwaukee. The Bucks took home an NBA championship following the 2020-21 season, and they've won at least 60% of their games for five straight seasons. Given the spectacular expectations that come along with having a player of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's calibre, Griffin will have little margin for error.

Still, Griffin has compiled a promising resume. He played nine seasons in the NBA for five different teams, clawing his way into the league after a stint in the Continental Basketball Association that included an MVP and a Finals MVP. He has also served as an assistant for the Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Raptors. He was even part of the Raptors' championship-winning team in 2019.

Griffin should also be a fresh but experienced voice for a franchise that's been used to a more staid, institutional presence at head coach. Budenholzer served as a head coach for 10 seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and Bucks. This will be Griffin's first opportunity at the top spot.