The Milwaukee Bucks opened the year with a 32-14 record, good for second place in the NBA’s competitive Eastern Conference. Then, the team fired head coach Adrian Griffin and has been in a tailspin since.
In the offseason, the Bucks made a blockbuster trade by acquiring perennial NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, pairing him with their already championship-caliber roster.
Although the offense got off to a hot start, the defense lapses proved costly in late-game situations. Some reports even claimed that Adrian Griffin had lost the locker room.
The behind-the-scenes issues surfaced at the end of January. The front office fired Griffin and replaced him with a well-respected veteran. In came Doc Rivers, former NBA player and long-time head coach, to hopefully right the ship.
Unfortunately for Bucks fans, the road has only become bumpier in the past few weeks. Rivers is currently 3-7 as the head coach in Milwaukee, dropping their overall record to 35-21, which is third in the East.
Kendrick Perkins blasts Giannis Antetokounmpo as Bucks continue to struggle
However, after Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent efforts on the defensive side of the ball, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins says it’s time to start pointing the finger at the big man — not the coaching staff.
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On Friday, Perkins went on a rant during NBA Today, ripping into the two-time Most Valuable Player. “What’s Giannis’ excuse? Because at the end of the day, we know that he’s gonna be a guy that’s going to go out there and give you 30.”
“But Giannis is also a player that has been in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation,” Perkins continued. “Did you know that since November, he’s been averaging less than one block per game? That’s unacceptable.”
"What's Giannis' excuse?" 😳 @kendrickperkins on the Bucks' star calling out his team. pic.twitter.com/z94eyqOdSd
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 16, 2024
Perkins finished his point with a statement directed at Antetokounmpo, “You gotta make sure that you hold yourself accountable and do what you need to do. Lead by example.”
The Bucks get a much-needed reset as NBA All-Star Weekend is now upon us. While Milwaukee’s two stars — Giannis and Lillard — will appear in the All-Star Game on Sunday, it’s still a chance for the team to collect its breath and prepare for the second half of the season.
Giannis and Co. haven’t clicked yet under Rivers, but if the franchise wants to make good on its NBA Finals aspirations, it’ll need to pick up the pace. According to Perkins, that will only happen if The Greek Freak steps up.