Doc Rivers gets brutally honest about why it was hard to coach Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers recently criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo, stating, "I wish he learned how to execute better," citing the star's struggle to value execution in team play.
- The Miami Heat have struggled early this season with a 3-6 record; The Golden State Warriors defeated Miami 120-100 on Thursday, holding Antetokounmpo to one point in the fourth quarter.
- During the three seasons Rivers coached Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP posted career-high field-goal percentages of 61.1%, 60.1, and 62.4%, suggesting Rivers previously maximized his efficiency.
- Antetokounmpo landed in South Beach this summer after a blockbuster trade ended his standoff with the Bucks, averaging 28.3 points and 12.5 rebounds per game despite early struggles.
- Now playing under Erik Spoelstra, Antetokounmpo has a coach Rivers considers highly skilled at execution, and Rivers remains hopeful the star will finally prioritize team play.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Doc Rivers Says Giannis Was Hard to Coach, Questions Superstar’s Basketball IQ
Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Giannis Antetokounmpo was difficult to coach and does not have a “super-high IQ,” comments that quickly spread after Rivers appeared on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” Rivers, now an NBA on NBC analyst after resigning from the Bucks following last season’s 32-50 finish, discussed his Milwaukee tenure with Simmons. Awful Announcing highlighted the exchange, which has drawn sharp online pushback toward Rive…
Ex-coach Doc Rivers questions IQ of Heat’s Giannis Antetokounmpo
Again out of coaching and back in the media realm, Doc Rivers wasted little time reflecting on Giannis Antetokounmpo and what went wrong during their time together with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The experienced coach spoke about his time with the Greek star at the Bucks, specifically analyzing some aspects of his game and character.
Doc Rivers Threw Giannis Antetokounmpo Under The Bus For Failings In Milwaukee In Tell-All Interview
Mar 2, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) comes out of the game near the end of the second quarter and walks past Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers as they compete against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. In 2024, Doc Rivers was named the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in order to save what was seen as a floundering season, despite a 30-13 start under first-year coach Adrian Griffith. Ra…
Doc Rivers Says Giannis Wasn't 'Easy' to Coach, 'Doesn't Necessarily Have This Super IQ'
After serving as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks for parts of three seasons, Doc Rivers gave his thoughts Friday on what it was like to coach Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
