Giannis Antetokounmpo Speaks on Coaching Changes

Photo By: Marta Lavandier

NBA front offices can’t fire all their players if they feel something is not going well. Therefore, there tends to be a high turnaround when it comes to NBA coaches. 

Even while in the midst of the season, two head coaches have been fired this year alone; Adrian Griffin of the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets’ Jacque Vaughn.

For the majority of the season, the Bucks sat comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. And although coaches tend to take the blame for lack of chemistry and losing records, when looking at Griffin, even a winning record of 30-13 could not save him.

Doc Rivers, who signed a $40 million contract extending through the 2026-2027 season is a veteran in the NBA and a well-respected and trusted coach.  This being said, the Bucks have gone 3-7 since Rivers took over; and have fallen into the third slot in the Eastern standings, with the possibility of falling even further. 

For players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, a star and a leader, he has recently spoken out regarding his trust in Rivers, as well as the mentally strenuous coaching cycle he has gone through. 

Giannis on playing under doc rivers and what needs to change in the last 26 games: “It’s hard, this is my fourth coach in the span of 6 months.. it’s been a very very very hard season for everybody.” 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/Bz0rmY9VCt

— ³⁴ (@GiannisWorld) February 18, 2024

Antetokounmpo, who has had four coaches in the past six months, is known for being not only a sponge for basketball, but also a strong teammate and leader. And with the arrival of Rivers, Antetokounmpo explained what he gained; “Some peace of mind. He's tough. He's Doc f—ing Rivers. He knows his s—. Same thing for Coach Bud. Same with Joe Prunty, J-Kidd. And Coach Griff was a great coach, a great person to work with, but, at the end of the day, it was his first time." (Eric Nehm, The Athletic). 

Further, Antetokounmpo was adamant that Rivers brings a championship feel and level to the team; "He's been very, very successful. We can talk all day about things he's accomplished around the league. He's won, I think, 1,100 NBA games. Some people have never played 1,100 games…He's coached a lot of successful teams in the past. When you have that guy in your bench, you have to bring your A game."

Despite the peace of mind the arrival of River brings to Antetokounmpo, many, including Rivers himself were confused with Milwaukee’s decision to part ways with Griffin. In a SiriusXM Radio interview, Rivers explained “Personally, I’ll be honest, I told ownership when they called, ‘I don’t understand why you’re doing this.”

Rivers speaking out regarding the front office decision did not sit well with the public, and received varied feedback since being put under the spotlight for his team’s losing streak, and inability to take accountability. 

As the Bucks face a road heavy schedule after the All-Star break, Antetokounmpo and the team hope to bounce back while they follow their new coach.