Terry Stotts resigned from his position as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks just a week before the start of the season, sparking questions as to why.

Initially, the Bucks confirmed Stotts' departure, but declined to comment on the circumstances.

Stotts' resignation reportedly came after a verbal altercation with head coach Adrian Griffin at a shootaround two days before.

Clash with the team

According to Shams Charania and Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Griffin told the team's assistant coaches that he wanted to have a separate huddle with them after they finished the huddle with the players.

This led to a brief argument, with Stotts reportedly objecting to Griffin yelling at him in front of the players.

Stotts felt that he deserved better treatment as a coach with his experience.

Lillard's influence

Stotts' resignation was a surprise to many, as he was expected to play a key role on Griffin's staff.

Stotts had nine seasons of head coaching experience with the Portland Trail Blazers, and he was also familiar with newly acquired Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who he coached in Portland for nine seasons.

Despite Lillard having a huge influence on the Bucks since his arrival, he is not reported to have been behind pushing Stotts out.

Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on July 6, 2023, in a three-team deal involving the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns.

The Bucks sent Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton to the Suns in exchange for Lillard.