Heat F Giannis Antetokounmpo Responds to Doc Rivers’ Comments

Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo responded strongly to critical remarks made by his former head coach Doc Rivers on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Speaking to The Athletic following a win over the Kings, Antetokounmpo expressed surprise and called on athletes never to let bitterness and pettiness get in the way of their goals, while affirming that Erik Spoelstra is now his coach.

Antetokounmpo joined Miami after a trade involving significant future assets, but the Heat have started the season 4-6 while posting the fifth-worst defensive rating in the league. Despite the team's early struggles, Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 27.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.