When the Milwaukee Bucks decided to part ways with Mike Budenholzer earlier this summer, it's safe to assume that Giannis Antetokounmpo probably had some sort of involvement in that decision. We’re not saying that the former back-to-back MVP demanded that his former coach get fired but at the very least, it’s highly likely that the front office informed Antetokounmpo of their decision before giving Budenholzer the axe.
It is also unclear how involved Giannis was in the hiring of new head coach Adrian Griffin. However, the most important part is that they currently share the same goal.
Milwaukee Bucks HC Adrian Griffin ‘On the Same Page’ With Giannis
This is exactly what Griffin stated when he spoke to the press at a recent charity golf event. According to the rookie coach, he feels that he is perfectly aligned with Antetokounmpo as they head into their first year together:
“Giannis and I are on the same page,” Griffin said, via Jessica Kleinschmidt of The Comeback. “We have a great relationship so far. He’s been pleasant to get to know. He wants to win, and I want to win. It’s that simple. I respect him. I respect what he’s accomplished in this league. We’re here together to win. I have no problem with that. I think it’s a great partnership. We’re going to lead the team together. When he leads, the others will follow. I think it’s great.”
Antetokounmpo recently made his objectives abundantly clear. It’s championship or bust for the seven-time All-Star, and he even went as far as saying — or at least implying — that he’s going to leave Milwaukee if the organization’s title aspirations no longer align with his.
Well, the good news is that Griffin is adamant that in terms of his relationship with his star player, there are currently no issues in this regard.
“We’re aligned,” Griffin said. “We’re here to win. The one thing I talked to my team and our staff about is just embracing expectations. We have a really good roster. Instead of running from it, we want to embrace it.”
There’s no doubt that there’s going to be a lot of pressure on Antetokounmpo this coming season. At the same time, though, the expectations are also going to be sky-high for Griffin in his debut campaign with the Bucks.
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