Milwaukee Bucks coach Adrian Griffin is aware of the high expectations and is embracing them

Adrian Griffin knows what he signed up for.

Newly-installed head coach Adrian Griffin is well aware of the title expectations of the team he’s taking over. This is not a Milwaukee Bucks team that is looking to rebuild. Rather, this is a high-powered squad led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo that is raring to get back out there after such a disappointing end to what was such a promising season.

“I’m coming in with some special talent on the team. Yes, we have high expectations, but we’re going to embrace them,” said Griffin during his introductory press conference on Tuesday.

Foundation’s there

For all the questions surrounding the Bucks this season, especially regarding their roster, Griffin is confident that the foundation for success is already there. With Giannis and fellow All-Star Jrue Holiday still signed, Milwaukee has a pair of veteran leaders who are more than capable of leading the Bucks back to the top of the mountain.

“One of the things that we spoke about in our first interview was, look, the foundation’s already been laid. This is a strong culture. We have special talent on this team. So, this wasn’t something where I was coming in to uproot everything. Actually, it was just to build. I think what my 25 years of experience in the NBA, I can add great value to the team and just bring in my experiences as a player and as a coach,” shared Griffin.

Nothing’s given

After going undrafted in 1996, Griffin barnstormed leagues both here and abroad before latching on to the Boston Celtics in 1999—the start of a nine-year career that saw him play for five different teams. Griffin knows the value of hard work and is committed to instilling that in this Bucks team.

“It starts by getting to work. Never lose sight of the work involved. I think going undrafted and going the minor league route, it taught me the value of hard work, and that’s what we’re going to build upon from day one.”