Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks exit, coaching star
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Former Bucks coach Doc Rivers revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted a trade but avoided publicly requesting it, hoping the Bucks' management would initiate the move instead.
- Despite Antetokounmpo's public statements of commitment during the 2025-26 season, sources confirmed he had privately informed the Bucks since May 2025 that he wanted to be traded.
- The Bucks traded Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for multiple players and draft picks, with the Heat currently struggling at 3-6 in the new season.
- Rivers criticized Antetokounmpo's leadership and playing style, noting his reliance on physical dominance over execution and expressing hope that under coach Erik Spoelstra, Giannis would improve his focus on team execution.
- Rivers ended his three-season tenure with the Bucks after the 2025-26 season, finishing with a 97-103 record and no playoff success in his final year.
