Even if everything was not perfect, especially on the defensive level, the Bucks made a strong choice by firing Adrian Griffin after 43 games, while the team had the second best record in the Eastern Conference. But the players seemed lost in the face of the instructions of the coach, for whom it was the first experience on a bench as a “head coach”.
To justify this decision, the GM of the Bucks spoke before the (won) match against the Cavaliers. He refuted the idea that it was the players who pushed the franchise to push the button.
“It’s not about the players, or things that were said or not said. It's my job “, assures Jon Horst for ESPN. “It’s the franchise’s job to evaluate the situation on a daily basis, in all areas, to judge whether or not we’re getting the best out of this group. If we believe we can do better, then we make a change. This is why we made this decision. »
A team that was not performing to its full potential
Does this mean the Bucks made a mistake replacing Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin last summer? “The dynamics and things changed after he arrived, so the sense of urgency was even greater”specifies the manager, referring to the arrival of Damian Lillard, four months after the appointment of the coach.
If Jon Horst is convinced that “the team is good at the moment”he adds that with “improvements, it can become very good”. Especially on defense, the sector where the Bucks regressed, because of the departure of Jrue Holiday and a change in philosophy which did not pay off. “We have talent in this area, but we can do better than that”notes the GM. “We have to find a way to be stronger and more consistent defensively. »
With 37 matches still to play before the playoffs, Doc Rivers will have little time to impose his mark and prepare this group as best as possible for the playoffs.
“I believe there is enough time left for the team to find its identity, a collective rhythm and continue to progress,” says Jon Horst. “Maybe it seems short, but in the NBA, everything always moves very quickly. Transitions happen all the time. We will manage to adapt. »
