History of Adrian Griffin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

Adrian Griffin is a former NBA player and coach, most recently the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. He played as a shooting guard and small forward from 1999 to 2008 after a college career at Seton Hall. Griffin hails from Wichita, Kansas. While his tenure as Bucks head coach was relatively short, his background as a player provides a foundation for his coaching career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 4, 1974: Adrian Griffin Born

On July 4, 1974, Adrian Darnell Griffin Sr. was born. He is an American professional basketball coach and former player.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Marriage to Audrey Sterling

In 1996, Adrian Griffin married Audrey Sterling.

1996: Not Selected in NBA Draft

In 1996, Adrian Griffin was not selected in the NBA draft.

1997: All-Rookie First Team Selection

In 1997, Adrian Griffin was selected to the All-Rookie First Team while playing for the Connecticut Pride of the Continental Basketball Association.

October 1998: Played for Cordivari Roseto

From July to October 1998, Adrian Griffin played 8 games for Cordivari Roseto in Italy.

1999: NBA Career Begins

In 1999, Adrian Griffin began his National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Boston Celtics.

2000: Rookie Season with Celtics

During the 1999-2000 rookie season with the Boston Celtics, Adrian Griffin averaged 7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.61 steals per game.

July 17, 2006: Signed with Chicago Bulls

On July 17, 2006, Adrian Griffin signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bulls.

2006: Starter in NBA Finals

In 2006, a career highlight for Adrian Griffin was becoming a starter for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

February 21, 2008: Traded to Seattle SuperSonics

On February 21, 2008, Adrian Griffin was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in an 11-player deal.

August 13, 2008: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks

On August 13, 2008, Adrian Griffin was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team, six-player deal.

2008: NBA Playing Career Ends

In 2008, Adrian Griffin's NBA playing career ended.

September 8, 2010: Assistant Coach for Chicago Bulls

On September 8, 2010, Adrian Griffin became an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls under Tom Thibodeau, a position he held for five years.

2010: Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

In 2010, Adrian Griffin was inducted into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame.

2014: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2014, Adrian Griffin worked with the USA coaching staff, contributing to the team's gold medal win at the FIBA World Cup.

June 26, 2015: Hired by Orlando Magic

On June 26, 2015, Adrian Griffin was hired by the Orlando Magic to be their top assistant coach.

July 1, 2016: Hired by Oklahoma City Thunder

On July 1, 2016, Adrian Griffin was hired by the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant coach.

2016: Divorce and Second Marriage

In 2016, Adrian Griffin divorced Audrey Sterling and married his current wife, Kathy.

July 25, 2018: Hired by Toronto Raptors

On July 25, 2018, Adrian Griffin was hired by the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach.

2019: NBA Championship with Raptors

In 2019, Adrian Griffin was instrumental in the Toronto Raptors' championship run, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, earning Griffin his first championship ring.

2019: Daughter Named McDonald's All-American

In 2019, Adrian Griffin's daughter, Aubrey, was also a McDonald's All-American and five-star recruit.

August 2020: Domestic Abuse Accusations

In August 2020, Adrian Griffin was publicly accused of domestic abuse by his former wife, Audrey Sterling.

2021: Filed Defamation Suit

In 2021, Adrian Griffin filed a defamation suit against his former wife, Audrey Sterling.

2021: Son Drafted to Atlanta Hawks

In 2021, Adrian Griffin's son, Adrian Jr., was a McDonald's All-American and five-star recruit and was drafted 16th overall to the Atlanta Hawks in 2022.

January 2022: Earned Ph.D.

In January 2022, Adrian Griffin earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago. His doctoral dissertation was titled "How Active NBA Assistant Coaches Experience Stress, Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Interventions in a Competitive Sports Environment."