Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo's handling of his departure from the team, saying the two-time MVP 'didn't want to be the bad guy' and was difficult to coach.
Speaking on 'The Bill Simmons Podcast,' Rivers, who coached the Bucks from 2024 to 2026, said Antetokounmpo 'kept yo-yoing' on his desire to leave Milwaukee. The Bucks had tried to keep him by waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal, but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and eventually traded Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in June.
In return, Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a pick swap. Both teams have struggled early this season, with the Bucks at 1-7 and the Heat at 3-6. Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Rivers described Antetokounmpo as 'really a difficult guy' to coach, noting his downhill playing style and lack of execution. 'He has this great passing ability, but he doesn't necessarily have a super IQ at the same time,' Rivers said. 'He really has only one way -- downhill, force, force, force.'
The comments add to the narrative around Antetokounmpo's exit from the only franchise he had known, where he led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship.
