The Milwaukee Bucks are ushering in a new era. The arrival of Damian Lillard means that there are going to be some massive changes in this squad. However, let’s not forget that this all started early on in the offseason when the Bucks decided to bring in new head coach Adrian Griffin as their replacement for Mike Budenholzer.
Griffin may be the newcomer to this group, but there’s no denying that he’s already making his mark.
Milwaukee Bucks Vet Sounds Off on Adrian Griffin’s Impact
Milwaukee big man Bobby Portis recently spoke with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to discuss the arrival of their new head coach. One thing that stands out for Portis in particular is how Griffin is promoting a culture of conflict within the squad — something that the first-year coach himself has also admitted to.
While Coach Bud may have frowned at certain actions during practice such as intense trash-talking and high physicality, Griffin has welcomed it. For his part, Portis is all for it:
“I mean, it’s just a different feel from years (past),” Portis said. “I hate comparing things like that, but s—, some things weren’t allowed in the past. Some things you’d have to be quiet about, or not show too much personality or whatever it is.
“This is definitely a new era of Milwaukee Bucks basketball and I’m excited for it. Just our physicality, us talking, being more vocal, being more connected.”
When it comes to having a personality, there’s no denying that Portis stands out in this particular category. This is why it isn’t surprising at all that the 28-year-old appears to be enjoying life under the new regime.
Bobby Portis Speaks Out on His Value for Bucks
While he might not be the best player out there, what you cannot fault Bobby Portis for is a lack of energy. You just know that this man is going to bring it night in and night out — something that appears to have rubbed off on some of his teammates.
Summer recruit Malik Beasley is one of them. Beasley previously said that he wants the supporters to know that he too can be a high-energy guy like Portis.
“I think it’s cool to have more guys that’s like me, you know?” Porits said with a laugh.
“Sometimes it doesn’t come down to scoring a basket or things like that. Sometimes it comes down to the physicality, it comes down to the hustle plays, it comes down to the 50-50 balls, it comes down to who want it more.”
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