Drew surprised at dismissal

Jul 3, 2014 - 4:56 PM Milwaukee, WI (SportsNetwork.com) - Larry Drew said he was surprised by his quick dismissal after one year as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks were just 15-67 in Drew's short tenure. He was replaced earlier this week by Jason Kidd, who left the Brooklyn Nets after one season and cost Milwaukee a pair of draft choices.

"I would like to thank (previous Bucks owner) Senator Herb Kohl and (Bucks GM) John Hammond for giving me the opportunity to coach the Milwaukee Bucks this past season. Although my tenure was brief, it will forever be memorable," said Drew in a statement released through the team.

Drew was apparently never given any indication he wouldn't return for the 2014-15 season despite finishing with the NBA's worst record. New owners Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens, however, had other ideas when they secretly began a courtship of Kidd.

"My swift termination did come as a surprise to me, but I accept new owners Wesley Edens' and Marc Lasry's decision that they've made," Drew added. "I wish the entire Bucks organization and the great city of Milwaukee nothing but the best in the future."

Drew had spent three seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks before taking on the start of the Bucks' rebuilding process. He has a career coaching mark of 143-169.