“It’s really a strange thing”: Giannis Antetokounmpo hit with harshest ever assessment of his basketball IQ

The former Bucks coach has revealed why he found the two-time MVP difficult to manage…

By David Schiavone · MARCA

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 3:55 PM

Key Things to Know

Doc Rivers questioned Giannis Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ and reliance on physical force on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
Rivers stated Antetokounmpo wanted to leave the Milwaukee Bucks without appearing to be the bad guy.
The Miami Heat hold a 3-6 record after a 120-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers offered a critical assessment of Miami Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast. Rivers questioned Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ, stating that the forward's tendency to constantly force plays downhill made running structured offensive possessions difficult during their time together in Milwaukee.

Rivers also suggested that Antetokounmpo privately wanted to leave the Bucks prior to his offseason move to Miami. Antetokounmpo's transition to the Heat has seen individual success but team struggles, as Miami holds a 3-6 record following a 120-100 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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“It’s really a strange thing”: Giannis Antetokounmpo hit with harshest ever assessment of his basketball IQ

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