Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo's handling of his departure from the team, saying the two-time MVP was difficult to coach and avoided publicly requesting a trade.
Rivers, who coached the Bucks from 2024 to 2026, said on "The Bill Simmons Podcast" that Antetokounmpo "kept yo-yoing" with his desire to leave Milwaukee, prolonging the saga. Antetokounmpo never publicly requested a trade, but trade rumors intensified as the Bucks' title window closed.
The Bucks attempted to retain Antetokounmpo after a first-round exit in the 2024-25 season, waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal. The plan failed; Milwaukee missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and eventually traded Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in June.
In the trade, the Bucks 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: the Bucks are 1-7, the Heat 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 added that Antetokounmpo needs to learn the value of execution in practice and shootaround.
Rivers' comments come after he was not retained following the 2026 season. The former coach has been critical of his tenure in Milwaukee since his introductory press conference.
