Milwaukee Bucks: Terry Stotts Abruptly Resigning May Have Saved Team’s Chances of Extending Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks and NBA as a whole were shocked to find out that assistant coach Terry Stotts resigned from his position just days prior to the start of the regular season. The reactions to the sudden change in staff were mixed, though a reported incident between Stotts and head coach Adrian Griffin has been attributed to the former’s decision to step down.

Regardless as to what kind of tension may have existed between the two coaches, it is both concerning and positive. On one hand, it is not good that the coach that was supposed to be in charge of the offense has stepped away just days before the start of the regular season. On the other hand, if the two coaches were going to be unable to coexist, it is good that the decision was made before the regular season starts.

One important aspect of the decision that no one is talking about is how it may affect Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision to re-sign with Milwaukee. Knowing what we do about what the two-time NBA MVP has said in recent weeks, Stotts’ decision may have saved the future of the franchise.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Picked Adrian Griffin as His Preference as the Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach

Back in May, the Bucks had narrowed their head coaching search down to three candidates: Griffin, Nick Nurse, and Kenny Atkinson. Giannis met with each finalist individually at his home, then (along with Khris Middleton) gave the front office his recommendation that Griffin be hired.

And, of course, he was. Now, Griffin was not hired just because Giannis wanted him. General manager Jon Horst revealed after the hire how Griffin shone above all the other candidates at each step of the process. However, Giannis and many other notable Bucks players have repeatedly told reporters how much they love the change in culture that Griffin has brought to the team.

Now, it also should be noted that Stotts was not hired by Griffin. Rather, the front office filled out Griffin’s staff (with his input). Had he been given the ability to hire his own staff, it is probable that Griffin would not have hired Stotts to begin with due to their obvious personality differences.

As it was, Stotts was hired; and he butted heads with Giannis’ preference of head coach. Had he stayed on, and the two continued to butt heads, Giannis may not have been so keen on signing an extension on a team with that kind of internal conflict.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants Everyone In the Milwaukee Bucks Organization on the Same Page

Giannis has said on several occasions that he will not sign an extension with Milwaukee this year. However, he also has said that he wants to spend his entire career with the Bucks, as long as they are committed to winning.

For Giannis, commitment to winning means making certain sacrifices. He mentioned this summer that his teammates, like him, need to be willing to sacrifice time with their families to do the extra work it will take for them to win another NBA Championship.

Giannis, too, believes in sacrificing ego and limelight. When the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard, there was no talk of “Is it Giannis’ team, or is it Dame’s team?” All they talked about was how they could work together.

Stotts, it would seem, was not willing to sacrifice his ego on Coach Griffin’s staff. He was not on the same page. Had he stayed on, and had the organization not done anything about it, they may have jeopardized their chances of signing Giannis to an extension.

And that would have jeopardized the future of the franchise.

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