Doc Rivers throws Giannis Antetokounmpo under the bus after messy Bucks break-up

Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo during an interview with Bill Simmons following the star's departure to the Miami Heat. Rivers claimed that Antetokounmpo wanted to leave Milwaukee but manipulated the situation to avoid looking like the bad guy. According to Rivers, Antetokounmpo wanted team leadership, including John Horst and Wes Edens, to initiate the trade instead of directly requesting one himself.

Rivers also stated that Antetokounmpo was difficult to coach, citing concerns about his basketball execution and decision-making on the court. Rivers commented that Antetokounmpo lacks a high basketball IQ and tends to force plays rather than executing properly. ClutchPoints reporter Malik Brown notes that Rivers appeared to be taking shots at his former superstar following their messy split.