On Thursday’s episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers made some eyebrow-raising comments about Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Rivers, Antetokounmpo is “a difficult guy” to coach, and his lack of “super IQ” on the basketball court curtails his athleticism and passing ability.
This season, Antetokounmpo is under the tutelage of Erik Spoelstra as he suits up for the Miami Heat. In an interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Spoelstra acknowledged Rivers’ remarks.
“Look, I like Doc, and I respect him, this is our business now. We went into the season thinking that that would be a process, playing with somebody (Giannis) that commands so much attention. That’s a different style than some of the guys that have come here, that have played before. We’ll be able to figure that all out.”
Erik Spoelstra Shrugs Off Doc Rivers’
Spoelstra, who is in his 19th season as the Heat’s coach, added that his team has responded well to his messaging.
“We’ve already made a lot of strides. I’m on this mountaintop pounding my fist, and our guys understand it.”
With Antetokounmpo in the fold, Miami dropped its first four games and now faces the difficult task of overcoming a 3-6 start.
Integrating Antetokounmpo into the grand scheme of things has been a top priority for Spoelstra and his staff. Fortunately for the Heat, the team has plenty of time to learn how to maximize Antetokounmpo’s skill set this season.
“He’s Not Wrong, But the Timing Is Wrong”: Analyst Reacts to Doc Rivers’ Comments on Giannis Antetokounmpo
As for player-turned-analyst Antonio Daniels, Rivers isn’t necessarily wrong in his assessment of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s abilities.
Appearing on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Friday, Daniels (a 14-year NBA pro who now works as a New Orleans Pelicans color analyst) broke down the nuances of Rivers’ comments.
“He’s not wrong, but the timing is wrong…Because Doc Rivers is now retired from coaching and Giannis is no longer in Milwaukee. If this was said 3 or 4 years ago down the line, I get it.”
Daniels added that the shortcomings Rivers pointed out don’t diminish Antetokounmpo’s “greatness,” arguing that it’s possible to be a great player while also being “difficult to play with.”
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