Giannis Antetokounmpo claimed he was “speechless” over former coach Doc Rivers’ comments about the Miami Heat leader, claiming that he will continue to “focus on my team” and that players should not be dismayed by “bitterness or pettiness.”<\/p>\n
Doc, who coached the Greek superstar for parts of 3 campaigns with the Bucks, revealed that the 2-time NBA MVP “didn’t want to be the bad guy” and was playing a “game” amid his prolonged exit from the Bucks\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cAntetokounmpo wanted to leave Milwaukee, but it was not easy. And Giannis didn\u2019t want to be the bad guy,\u201d his former coach shared. \u201cGiannis wanted general manager Jon Horst and owner Wes Edens and those guys to say, ‘We’re trading you,’ instead of him asking to leave. To me, that was the game that he played.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Greek superstar commented on Rivers\u2019 criticism, 3 days after Doc said that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important thing, Rivers is not my coach,\u201d the Heat star shared with the media after his team\u2019s 114-108 win against the Kings.<\/p>\n
Antetokounmpo added that reporters must ask Doc what he said those things and thought that, as he doesn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
\nGiannis Antetokounmpo expressed his disbelief about Doc Rivers’ willingness to speak about him on a podcast:<\/p>\n
"Oh, my God. First of all, he’s not my coach. My coach is Coach Spo. But he’s a guy, a coach that I’ve worked [with] in the past. I’m speechless… Like, goddamn. That’s crazy. Never let bitterness and pettiness get in front of your goals and dreams, man. For every athlete out there, never let that [happen]. That’s insane, but you gotta go ask him why he said what he said. Not me."<\/p>\n
(https:\/\/t.co\/h174rEZtDa)<\/p>\n
— Kalshi NBA (@KalshiNBA) November 9, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n