Doc Rivers Takes Jab at Media, Bucks Organization Over Giannis Drama

Doc Rivers handled the Milwaukee Bucks’ tumultuous 2025-2026 NBA season, which saw them outside of the playoff picture, resulting in his firing earlier this week. 

Injuries and rumors also hampered the season for the Bucks, specifically surrounding their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had been at the forefront of trade murmurs throughout the year. 

In his first statements since leaving his head coaching post with the Bucks, former Bucks head coach Rivers aimed at the media and the Bucks organization for failing to control the narrative around Giannis’ future with the team.

“The whole Giannis stuff, it was just not a lot of fun,” Rivers said during an episode of The Bill Simmons podcast. “When you’re around Giannis, and then what you hear on the outside, it was two different worlds. That’s where, from a coaching standpoint, it’s very difficult because I talk to Giannis every day.” 

“You see these reports, and I’m like, when did any of these guys have one conversation with Giannis? Because I think a lot of people at the end of the day were talking for him,” he added. 

According to Rivers, it made the situation inside the team “murky” in what seemed to be an admission that it affected the squad throughout the season. 

“I don’t know if they necessarily were doing that is what he was actually saying. And it made things murky, and it made things very, very difficult. And then the end of the season, with this whole thing, was rough,” he said. 

Many expected Giannis to be out of the team by the trade deadline this season, but a deal never happened, and the Greek Freak continued to reaffirm his loyalty with Milwaukee, where he won his first and only NBA title in 2021. 

Rivers first became the Bucks’ head coach in January 2024. He replaced Adrian Griffin, who led the team to a 30-13 record, before Rivers’ signing. 

Over the past two seasons, the Bucks bowed out in the first round. This year, they snapped a nine-year streak of making it into the playoffs. 

Rivers went 97-103 in his stint with the Bucks. 

Doc Rivers’ Bucks Exit Shocked Giannis

GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo expresses feelings in Doc Rivers’ firing.

After Doc Rivers’ exit, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his feelings about the Bucks’ decision. 

Giannis gave flowers to Rivers, whom he deemed a “legend” for what he has done throughout his coaching career.

“It’s a shock to me,” he said. “He’s had 25 years as a coach, an incredible coach, almost 15 years as a player. He’s been in the NBA for 30, 40 years. He’s definitely an NBA legend. As you guys know, he’s a Hall of Famer. It was great working with him.”

Giannis only appeared in 36 games this season as his availability took a toll on the squad. But when he played, he looked as great as ever, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. 

As of now, there is no clear news about Giannis’ future with the team. 

Bucks Still Owed Doc Rivers Money

GettyDoc Rivers will still get his salary from the Bucks next season.

The Bucks organization will still be paying Doc Rivers his eight-figure salary next season, according to ESPN’s report. 

In the same report, a “season-long disconnect” also caused the team to unravel.

For now, the organization is looking for a new head coach for the squad, whose future still looked hazy. 

The next coach will be the Bucks’ third one in three years.

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