Adrian Griffin introduced as Bucks head coach

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Just over a month removed from the 2022-23 season, the Milwaukee Bucks have their new head coach Adrian Griffin.

Griffin was introduced as the Bucks 17th head coach in franchise history on Tuesday, June 6th.

"I've waited a long time for this," said Griffin at his introductory press conference.

Griffin played nine years in the NBA before becoming an NBA assistant with the Bucks for two seasons starting in 2008. Griffin's coaching career brought him through Chicago, Orlando, Oklahoma City, and Toronto where he spent the last five season and won an NBA title with the Raptors in 2019. Griffin worked with Scott Skiles, Tom Thibodeau Billy Donovan, and Nick Nurse.

"I've prepared for this my whole career," said Griffin.

"He impressed in every step of the way," said Bucks general manager Jon Horst on hiring Griffin as the head coach.

Horst said the Bucks started the search with 20 or so coaches before deciding on Griffin.

Both Griffin and Horst said Giannis Antetokounmpo and other players were involved in the process of hiring Griffin. He knows he is taking over a franchise that has high expectations to be playing deep into the summer.

"I had an opportunity to reach out to all the players," said Griffin. "They are hungry, that's going to be our motto this year."

Several players also attended the press conference, Grayson, Joe Ingles, AJ Green, MarJon Beauchamp, Jevon Carter and Meyers Leonard will all there.

"Words can’t express how I feel right now, I'm extremely humbled," said Griffin saying this felt like a full circle moment.