Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," saying the two-time MVP was difficult to coach and avoided publicly requesting a trade despite wanting to leave the franchise.
Trade saga and 'yo-yoing'
Rivers, who coached the Bucks from 2024 to 2026, said Antetokounmpo "kept yo-yoing" with his desire to depart Milwaukee. The Bucks had a chance to trade him after a first-round exit in the 2024-25 season, when Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon. Instead, Milwaukee waived Lillard, stretched his contract through 2030, and signed Myles Turner to a four-year, $108 million deal in an effort to convince Antetokounmpo to stay. The plan failed; the Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and eventually traded Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in June.
Coaching challenges
Rivers described Antetokounmpo as "really a difficult guy" who plays at a "crazy downhill pace" and relies on forcing plays rather than execution. "He has this great passing ability, but he doesn't necessarily have a super IQ at the same time," Rivers said. "I wish he'd learned how to execute better." Rivers compared Antetokounmpo to AAU players who never needed to execute because of their individual talent.
Trade details and early season
In return for Antetokounmpo and Portis, 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: Milwaukee is 1-7, while Miami is 3-6. Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game for the Heat.
