Doc Rivers Says Giannis Wasn't 'Easy' to Coach, 'Doesn't Necessarily Have This Super IQ'
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- Doc Rivers reflected on coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, praising his talent and downhill playing style but noting Giannis lacks a high basketball IQ and tends to force plays rather than focus on execution.
- Rivers emphasized that Giannis needs to improve his understanding of execution and teamwork, which he believes current Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is better at instilling.
- Under Rivers, the Bucks experienced a decline, with back-to-back first-round playoff exits followed by a missed postseason, contrasting with the team's prior success including a 2021 NBA championship led by Giannis.
- Rivers suggested Giannis wanted to leave Milwaukee but avoided formally requesting a trade to not appear as the "bad guy," with the eventual trade sending Giannis to Miami in exchange for multiple players and draft picks.
- Both the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have struggled this season, with the Heat starting 3-6 and the Bucks 1-7, indicating the trade has yet to yield positive results for either team.
