Doc Rivers Calls Out Giannis: “His Basketball IQ Isn’t That High”
Doc Rivers reflects on his time with the Bucks and delivers some harsh criticism of Giannis Antetokounmpo, questioning his basketball IQ and ability to play within an offensive system
The partnership between Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee didn’t exactly end on the best terms. Months after their split, the former Bucks head coach has opened up about his experience working with the Greek superstar, and he didn’t hold back.
Appearing on Bill Simmons’ podcast, Rivers discussed the challenges of coaching Antetokounmpo, now with the Miami Heat, focusing on his playing style and his ability to adapt to a team’s offensive system.
Doc Rivers: “Giannis Is Really Hard to Coach”
Rivers never questioned the two-time MVP’s talent, but explained why coaching him proved more challenging than he initially expected.
Giannis isn’t easy to coach. He plays at an incredible pace, constantly attacking the rim. He’s a really difficult player to manage
Doc Rivers
His strongest criticism, however, was directed at Giannis’ understanding of the game.
He’s a great passer, but at the same time, he doesn’t necessarily have a very high basketball IQ. It’s a strange thing. He basically has one way of playing: attack the rim, force it, force it and keep forcing it. He wants to do that on every possession
Doc Rivers
According to Rivers, the issue isn’t necessarily Antetokounmpo’s individual effectiveness, but rather the challenge of fitting his skill set into a more structured offensive system.
I wish he had learned to execute plays better. He’s one of those players who never really had to do that because he can create something on his own. But that doesn’t necessarily help the team
Doc Rivers
The former Bucks coach also revealed that he addressed the issue directly with Giannis during their time together.
I told him he still needs to learn how important it is to execute plays. Even in practice and during shooting sessions, you have to focus on those things. You might be able to make something happen on your own, but for a team to work, you have to learn how to play within the system
Doc Rivers
Rivers Also Opens Up About Giannis’ Departure From Milwaukee
During the interview, Rivers also discussed the tensions surrounding Antetokounmpo’s final months with the Bucks.
According to the former Milwaukee coach, Giannis wanted to leave the franchise but was reluctant to publicly request a trade.
Giannis wanted out, but he was still a Bucks player and didn’t want to be seen as the bad guy. He would rather have the front office say, ‘We’re trading you,’ instead of being the one to ask for a trade. I think that was the game being played
Doc Rivers
Spoelstra Could Be the Right Coach for Giannis
Antetokounmpo’s new chapter in Miami hasn’t gotten off to the smoothest start.
The Heat have opened the season with a 4-6 record, still struggling to find the right balance and consistency.
However, Rivers believes Erik Spoelstra could be the ideal coach to help Giannis improve in the very areas he criticized.
Now he has a coach who is one of the absolute best when it comes to executing plays
Doc Rivers
It’s a clear acknowledgment of Spoelstra’s coaching ability, but also another subtle shot at his former player.
Judging by Rivers’ comments, their relationship in Milwaukee may not have been particularly smooth. Both have moved on from that chapter, but it seems there are still some unresolved issues.
At least from Doc’s perspective.