Former NBA coach Doc Rivers characterized Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo as "really a difficult guy" during a recent podcast appearance, according to a report by Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published Friday.
Rivers, who has coached against Antetokounmpo throughout the Greek forward's career, offered the assessment while discussing the two-time MVP's competitive nature and on-court demeanor. The comments were made during a podcast interview, though specific details about which program and the full context of the remarks were not immediately available.
Antetokounmpo, 29, has established himself as one of the NBA's most dominant players since being drafted 15th overall by Milwaukee in 2013. He led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors.
Rivers, 63, most recently served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season after previous stops with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. He won an NBA championship as Boston's coach in 2008.
