Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers has revealed he personally apologized to Giannis Antetokounmpo after his recent criticism of the Miami Heat superstar sparked controversy.
Rivers, who now works as an NBA analyst for NBC Sports, came under fire after questioning Antetokounmpo’s basketball IQ during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
The former Bucks coach suggested Giannis “doesn’t necessarily have this super IQ” and described his offensive approach as “really has one way: downhill, force, force.”
However, Rivers has since clarified that his comments were misunderstood, revealing he contacted Antetokounmpo directly to apologize, according to Andscape.
“I was saying he was one of the most interesting guys,” Rivers said. “He makes unbelievable passes, but then at times, because of his force he plays at, it gets in the way of his feel. It was more of a compliment. I hate this and feel bad about it. I apologize for the distraction. I’m not trying to be one.”
Rivers explained that he intended to reference Giannis’ “feel for the game” rather than his basketball IQ, adding that the two-time MVP responded positively to his apology.
The Hall of Fame coach also addressed his suggestion that Antetokounmpo was “not easy” to coach, insisting it was a reflection of the challenges involved in building a team around a superstar.
“The point I was trying to make is whenever you have a great player, you have to fit the team around that great player,” Rivers told Andscape. “That is the point I was trying to make. It’s not always easy. It’s a compliment. I’ve been successful and unsuccessful at it. But your job is to create the best team you can possibly create around that great player and his talents.”
Antetokounmpo had already responded publicly to the criticism following Miami’s 114-108 victory over Sacramento on Sunday.
“First of all, he’s not my coach,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “My coach is [Erik Spoelstra], but [Rivers] is a guy — a coach — that I’ve worked with in the past. I’m speechless.”
The exchange comes after Rivers was dismissed by Milwaukee at the end of last season, bringing an end to his time coaching Antetokounmpo.
Giannis, meanwhile, is averaging 27.5 points and 12.8 rebounds through his first season in Miami, with the Heat improving to 4-6 following Sunday’s win.
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