Sources: Raptors hire Adrian Griffin as lead assistant coach

Adrian Griffin, right, works with the Thunder’s Paul George in December. (Getty)
Adrian Griffin, right, works with the Thunder’s Paul George in December. (Getty)

The Toronto Raptors are hiring Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Adrian Griffin as the lead assistant on new head coach Nick Nurse’s staff, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Toronto made a strong push to secure Griffin from Oklahoma City, league sources said, where he has served as an assistant since 2016. After the season ended, the Raptors fired coach Dwane Casey, who was subsequently hired by the Detroit Pistons, and hired Nurse earlier this month.

Griffin had a nine-year NBA career from 1999-2008, playing for Boston, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Seattle. He joined the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching staff in 2008 before stints with the Bulls and Orlando Magic.

More from Yahoo Sports:
Swedish players defend teammate targetted by racist trolls
Egypt’s 45-year-old goalie saves penalty, sets World Cup record
Julian Edelman reportedly planning major defense against suspension
Rapper T.I. plans to boycott NFL over national anthem rules