Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd defends Giannis Antetokounmpo after Doc Rivers’ blunt assessment

Jason Kidd has offered a different perspective on Giannis Antetokounmpo, pushing back against the criticism Doc Rivers recently directed at the two-time MVP. On Friday, November 6, the former Milwaukee Bucks coach responded to Rivers’ remarks questioning Giannis’ basketball IQ and describing him as a challenging player to coach.

Having coached Antetokounmpo during the early stages of his NBA career, Kidd developed a contrasting view of the forward’s approach to the game.

Jason Kidd on Doc Rivers comments about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game

Kidd addressed the comments during his appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, where he disputed Rivers’ portrayal of Antetokounmpo’s basketball IQ.

Jason Kidd on Doc Rivers saying Giannis is difficult to coach:

“Giannis’ superpower to get downhill and he makes plays. So understanding Doc saying that his IQ, I disagree with that. I think Giannis understands how to play the game. His forcefulness getting downhill is what it’s… pic.twitter.com/eNPvxGaIoT

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) November 6, 2026

“Giannis’ superpower to get downhill and he makes plays. So understanding Doc saying that his IQ, I disagree with that. I think Giannis understands how to play the game. His forcefulness getting downhill is what it’s all about. And so when he causes a problem, he’s one of the top five players in the league,” commented the former Bucks head coach.

Rivers also raised concerns about Antetokounmpo’s focus on executing offensive schemes, contrasting his approach with the teaching ability of Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, whom he praised for emphasizing those details.

Kidd led the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2018 and helped expand Antetokounmpo’s responsibilities as a ball-handler. That shift played a part in the forward’s development into one of the league’s most accomplished stars.

Rivers and Kidd no longer coach Antetokounmpo, but their contrasting assessments highlight how differently coaches can view the same player. While Rivers pointed to shortcomings in his approach, Kidd recognized the qualities that helped the forward reach the top of the NBA.

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