Lost amid the Free Agency scuttlebutt the OKC Thunder have lost yet another valuable assistant coach. Adrian Griffin is headed to the 6ix.
Earlier in the off-season, the OKC Thunder lost beloved assistant coach Royal Ivey, as he accepted a larger role with the New York Knicks. Now the Toronto Raptors and their new head coach Nick Nurse has swiped another OKC assistant coach away.
Adrian Griffin’s headed to the six, to roll with new woes. Around the league, Griffin’s known as a defensive wizard. Hence why the OKC Thunder ranked in the top-10 defensively in Griffin’s two seasons with the ball club.
The Toronto Raptors are hiring Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Adrian Griffin as a lead assistant on Nick Nurse's staff, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2018
Furthermore, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan‘s staff got significantly lighter this summer. It will be interesting to see who Billy D gets to replenish his staff.
More on Adrian Griffin
Griffin went undrafted in the 1996 NBA Draft, yet he played 12 years professionally. Including nine years in the NBA, three years in the CBA, and one season in the Italian league. Griffin had great success in the CBA winning league MVP, Finals MVP, and a title with the Connecticut Pride in the 1998-99 season.
CBA = Chinese Basketball Association
Moreover, Griffin’s NBA career spanned from 1999-2008, after Griffin retired from playing he went right into coaching. Fun fact about Griffin he was involved in the second trade the OKC Thunder ever made, the deal involved three-teams and six-players.
Oklahoma City ranked 10th defensively last season with Adrian Griffin helming the defence, despite losing Andre Roberson and having a bunch of bad defenders playing big minutes. OKC also 10th the previous year.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) June 25, 2018
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Griffin is well-respected around the league, every year since the 2013-14 season Griffin has received votes for the best assistant coach on the annual GM survey. With Griffin’s departure, it can not be stressed enough, how huge the loss will be on sidelines for Oklahoma City.
Not only losses X’s and O’s
One component that makes Griffin so important is the relationships he develops with his players. In his Twitter bio, Griffin includes a meaningful quote “Before developing talent, develop the relationship”.
One player Griffin developed a strong relationship with was current Minnesota Timberwolve and former Chicago Bull Jimmy Butler. When Butler gave his acceptance speech after winning most improved player while still on the Bulls, he thanked all his coaches.
However, Butler was sure to single Griffin out and speak to him directly. After Griffin was dismissed in Chicago and working for the Orlando Magic Butler gave Griffin a gift bag.
Things I'm reading about Adrian Griffin's relationships with players, especially his relationship with Jimmy Butler when he was in Chicago, have me extremely optimistic about the hire.
— Anthony Doyle (@Anthonysmdoyle) June 25, 2018
The full contents of the bag are unknown. Two items that are known, a Rolex watch and a handwritten note from Butler. Griffin’s relationship with Butler is one of many relationships he has built throughout his coaching career.
Next: Complete NBA Free Agency primer for all 30 teams
In closing, TI wishes Adrian Griffin nothing but the best in the next step of his life and coaching career. Hopefully, Griffin didn’t build a bond too strong with Thunder free agent Paul George that could entice him to head north of the border.