- Messages
- 6,076
- Reaction score
- 5,448
2023-24 Milwaukee Bucks Season Thread
- Thread starter Mark87
- Start date
- Messages
- 7,425
- Reaction score
- 6,252
I think Griffen is the problem. I don't think he went into the job understanding what was necessary. He didn't need to totally disrupt the game players had in them. He just needed to harness their games, and blend them together. I think that's where the falling out came with Stotts. He knew what had to be done, Griffen disagreed, and it led to Griffen yelling at Stotts, and him saying; "Stick it!"
Griffen may be a great assistant coach, who knows how to manage specific aspects of the game, but the overall team concept may be beyond his reach. It's not a knock against him, it's just like so many NFL coaches who are amazing as assistants, but when they get HC jobs, they are totally out of their depth. No difference in the NBA.
I think the Bucks players agreed with Stotts at the time, and that will never sit well with the players, if one coach is on the right path with them, and gets fired for being there.
This is all conjecture on my part. But, let's face it. Something is wrong, and the things happening must be indicators of what, and why. The meetings with Dame & Giannis, and with all the players about their roles, obviously are for a reason. Especially since they're indicated as being player raised reasons for them, not coach based.
Griffen may be a great assistant coach, who knows how to manage specific aspects of the game, but the overall team concept may be beyond his reach. It's not a knock against him, it's just like so many NFL coaches who are amazing as assistants, but when they get HC jobs, they are totally out of their depth. No difference in the NBA.
I think the Bucks players agreed with Stotts at the time, and that will never sit well with the players, if one coach is on the right path with them, and gets fired for being there.
This is all conjecture on my part. But, let's face it. Something is wrong, and the things happening must be indicators of what, and why. The meetings with Dame & Giannis, and with all the players about their roles, obviously are for a reason. Especially since they're indicated as being player raised reasons for them, not coach based.
- Messages
- 953
- Reaction score
- 911
It was a heck of a lot of fun watching Dame be Dame out there last night. Some of his assists/passes were just so on point and timely. Yeah, Giannis and he will need to work out how to work together more effectively, but when they do? Wow. Props to Beasley, too. I love it when someone just has one of *those* games.
- Messages
- 7,425
- Reaction score
- 6,252
Imagine adding Middleton's game to the mix to go along with all of that. Plus, Connie, Marjon, and Portis? Zowie!!!!
- Messages
- 18,358
- Reaction score
- 6,351
- Messages
- 7,425
- Reaction score
- 6,252
I'm not certain about the Middleton situation. It doesn't make sense. I get the impression he's doing what he's being asked to do. Just log minutes to get the legs in shape, but don't overdo it. Anyhow, I hope I'm right, or that's one massive waste of cap space.
Giannis was doing what Giannis does best, especially in the second half. They also played again where they utilized Lopez's skills at rejecting shots. Another 7 blocks last night. A hint to the coaching staff? Quit pulling him to the outside. Other teams are using matches to do it. Griffen had been allowing it to happen. When you follow someone outside, and you're one of the two guys who can block shots, that's a huge mistake. Of course, whomever is taking the guy Lopez is releasing needs to be on them like glue, to keep them from going off outside the arc.
As I watched the game, the first quarter was horrible. In all honesty, I think at that juncture, they're playing the Griffen plan. After the first quarter, the players' plan came out of the closet. They moved the ball, moved off the ball, and did the things that creates opportunities for each other. At times, it was a work of art, and Giannis has accepted the fact that there will times, in a lot of games, where he needs to relinquish his role as the team's "savior," to Lillard, who's skills on the floor are unique. Maybe this is the start of something good. We need to hope.
Giannis was doing what Giannis does best, especially in the second half. They also played again where they utilized Lopez's skills at rejecting shots. Another 7 blocks last night. A hint to the coaching staff? Quit pulling him to the outside. Other teams are using matches to do it. Griffen had been allowing it to happen. When you follow someone outside, and you're one of the two guys who can block shots, that's a huge mistake. Of course, whomever is taking the guy Lopez is releasing needs to be on them like glue, to keep them from going off outside the arc.
As I watched the game, the first quarter was horrible. In all honesty, I think at that juncture, they're playing the Griffen plan. After the first quarter, the players' plan came out of the closet. They moved the ball, moved off the ball, and did the things that creates opportunities for each other. At times, it was a work of art, and Giannis has accepted the fact that there will times, in a lot of games, where he needs to relinquish his role as the team's "savior," to Lillard, who's skills on the floor are unique. Maybe this is the start of something good. We need to hope.
- Messages
- 18,358
- Reaction score
- 6,351
Yeah last night Middleton played the most minutes he has all year at 22 but he still has not broken 20 points in a game yet. I just think the Bucks could have got a guy to do what Middleton is doing for half the cost. I just wonder if him being resigned was another Giannis choice saying bring him back to keep me happy.
- Messages
- 7,425
- Reaction score
- 6,252
Resigning Middleton could have a smart move, for trade material. Or, he's also a piece that could be effective if Giannis, Lopez, or Portis are injured. I think they must have weighed their options, and figured that just losing him wasn't a good choice.
Let's face it. We're draft pick poor, and that's a good possibility for the Bucks before the trade deadline, as well as a chip that could be used to fill a gap if someone goes down.
I'm beginning to believe they intend dealing Connie as well, despite how he's worked his salary well for the good of the team.
Let's face it. We're draft pick poor, and that's a good possibility for the Bucks before the trade deadline, as well as a chip that could be used to fill a gap if someone goes down.
I'm beginning to believe they intend dealing Connie as well, despite how he's worked his salary well for the good of the team.