FILE – Former NBA head coach Terry Stotts. (AP Picture/Jack Dempsey, File)
MILWAUKEE— Former NBA head coach Terry Stotts’ return to the league as a Milwaukee Bucks assistant has reached a sudden conclusion per week earlier than the beginning of the season.
Bucks coach Adrian Griffin confirmed Stotts’ departure from Milwaukee’s employees whereas chatting with reporters after a observe Thursday. Griffin declined to touch upon the circumstances however stated the transfer was Stotts’ determination.
“It caught all of us off guard, after all, however once more, you simply assist him,” Griffin stated. “He was a terrific man. I realized rather a lot from him in a really quick time. He was actually good at what he does. He decided –- a private determination -– and we simply must respect that.”
ESPN first reported Stotts’ departure.
Stotts’ expertise was anticipated to provide Griffin a lift as the previous Toronto Raptors assistant begins his head teaching profession by taking up a group with championship expectations. The Bucks open their season Oct. 26 by internet hosting the Philadelphia 76ers.
Stotts’ presence additionally would have offered some familiarity with newly acquired seven-time all-NBA guard Damian Lillard, who spent his first 9 NBA seasons taking part in for Stotts with the Portland Path Blazers. Lillard stated Stotts contacted him instantly Wednesday to let him know in regards to the transfer.
“All people was type of stunned by it,” Lillard stated. “It type of got here out of nowhere. I’ve been on this league lengthy sufficient to know that a lot of these issues occur. All the pieces continues, so that you’ve obtained to type of course of issues like this and different issues which will come up and proceed to maneuver ahead.
“For me, realizing Terry so long as I’ve recognized him -– taking part in for him for 9 years and him additionally making this transition for me simpler simply having a well-known face be such an enormous a part of it — was factor. I feel now that I’m settled in, to see him go is unlucky. It’s unhappy to see him go. However like I stated, every part continues to be shifting ahead.”
Stotts owns a profession head teaching report of 517-486 that features stints with the Atlanta Hawks (2002-04), Bucks (2005-07) and Path Blazers (2012-21).
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard warms up earlier than a preseason NBA basketball recreation in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, in Oklahoma Metropolis. (AP Picture/Sarah Phipps)
Lillard stated he didn’t count on this sudden transfer to hinder the Bucks’ focus heading into the season.
“It didn’t include plenty of drama,” Lillard stated. “Me realizing him so nicely, it simply wasn’t a dramatic, massive deal. It was only a determination he had come to. It occurred early, and it wasn’t loud. It was simply abrupt. I don’t assume it is going to be a lot of a distraction in any respect.”
Lillard stated Saturday after making his preseason Bucks debut that Stotts had helped him alter to his new group.
“A variety of the issues we run is, he’s controlling that offense, so it’s all acquainted,” Lillard stated after that recreation. “A variety of instances, guys are asking me questions once we’re speaking about performs as a result of I’m accustomed to plenty of these items.”
Griffin stated Thursday he was nonetheless evaluating whether or not to deliver another person in to fill the void created by Stotts’ exit. Griffin stated he had working relationship with Stotts.
“It was Terry’s determination, and I revered that,” Griffin stated of Stotts’ transfer. “We did have an amazing dialog. I can’t disclose what we spoke about out of respect for him, however once more, we assist him and we’re nonetheless excited in regards to the season. We’ve obtained an amazing group, an amazing employees and life is nice.”
Stotts had spoken at a Milwaukee Bucks Basis golf occasion final month about how a lot he was trying ahead to a return to Milwaukee after spending the final two seasons away from the sport. Stotts had labored right here twice beforehand, as a head coach and likewise as an assistant on George Karl’s employees from 1998-2002.
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“It’s a no brainer,” Stotts stated then. “You’re coming again to a championship-caliber group in a metropolis that I really like. The fan base is superior. I’m a Midwest man. I’ve plenty of ties to Milwaukee anyway. After being out of teaching for 2 years, I couldn’t have requested for a greater state of affairs to be in.”
