# Doc Rivers explains lead-up to Giannis Antetokounmpo’ Bucks exit: ‘Didn’t want to be the bad guy’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/doc-rivers-explains-lead-up-to-giannis-antetokounmpo-bucks-exit-didnt-want-to-be-the-bad-guy/
- Published: 2026-11-07T03:31:45+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T04:20:52+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/06/sports/doc-rivers-explains-lead-up-to-giannis-bucks-exit-and-why-he-was-not-easy-to-coach/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Rivers says Antetokounmpo wanted the Bucks to initiate his trade.
- Rivers called him difficult to coach; Jason Kidd disagreed.
- Miami started 3-6 despite strong numbers from Antetokounmpo.

## Summary

Doc Rivers said Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted to leave Milwaukee without formally asking for a trade, hoping the Bucks’ leaders would make the decision public. His account sheds light on the star’s departure to Miami and adds to discussion of how he plays and responds to coaching.

Rivers, who coached Antetokounmpo from 2024 until resigning earlier this year, called him difficult to coach and said he wished the forward would execute plays better. Former Bucks coach Jason Kidd disagreed with Rivers’ assessment of Antetokounmpo’s basketball intelligence, while praising his ability to drive to the basket and create plays. Miami began the season 3-6 despite Antetokounmpo averaging 27.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists; the Heat ranked second in pace, 19th in offence and 26th in defence after nine games.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.