Milwaukee Bucks shot-caller Adrian Griffin is coaching his fourth NBA game on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. It isn’t just any other game, though, as this is the first time the rookie coach is returning to his former stomping ground.
Griffin worked as an assistant under Nick Nurse for five years before he was hired as Milwaukee’s head coach. Needless to say, Griffin has a lot of fond memories with his former team.
Raptors Honor Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Adrian Griffin
It is also clear that the Raptors feel the same way about their former coach. So much so, that they decided to honor Griffin with a tribute video in the opening moments of Wednesday’s game:
Raptors give former assistant coach Adrian Griffin a video tribute in his return as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. pic.twitter.com/yauR4qfS4h
— Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) November 1, 2023
Welcome back to Toronto, Coach 👏
A video tribute for Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, who was an assistant with the Raptors for the last five seasons. pic.twitter.com/d0Yvr6Iuq4
— THE SHIFT (@theshift_sports) November 1, 2023
That’s a classy move from Toronto. You also have to give credit to the fans as they cheered the opposition’s head coach as a sign of their gratitude for all that Griffin did for the team. I’m sure that Coach Griff appreciated the gesture.
Adrian Griffin Speaks Out on Return to Toronto
Before the game, Griffin himself admitted that there were a lot of emotions for him heading into his first game back in Toronto. In fact, being in the opposing locker room will require some getting used to for the Bucks coach:
“It’s great to be back,” Griffin said, via Raptors beat reporter Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports. “A lot of fond memories here. We were a tight knit family… We won a championship here. Just special times. It’s a little bit awkward being in the visitors locker room.”
All the pleasantries will be set aside, though, as Griffin will do everything he can to lead Milwaukee to a victory against his former team.
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