Bucks news: Giannis Antetokounmpo shares strong take after learning Doc Rivers’ departure

Not a few eyebrows were raised when the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin as coach in the middle of the 2023-2024 season, hiring Doc Rivers as the replacement. Griffin led the Bucks to a 30-13 record before he was axed.

Now, in just less than three seasons, Rivers is gone as well. It was reported on Sunday that the Bucks fired Rivers after the team cratered to a 32-50 record. It is Milwaukee’s worst finish since going 15-67 in the 2013-2014 season. It was the rookie year of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has come full circle, albeit regretfully.

Despite the Bucks’ struggles, Antetokounmpo repeatedly expressed his support for Rivers. That did not change when he learned that Rivers was let go, although the two-time MVP admitted that he was “shocked” about it.

Hey, 25 years as a coach (is an achievement). He’s 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. He’s a Hall of Famer. It’s great working with him,” said Antetokounmpo in the video posted by sports anchor Jeff Skversky

“Shock to me”

– Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo tells me he’s shocked to hear report Doc Rivers is OUT as Head Coach and had not heard the news

He calls Rivers an “incredible coach”

Giannis says he is immediately going to call Rivers after losing to the Sixers pic.twitter.com/M374LXJaDM

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) April 13, 2026

Rivers, who signed a $40 million deal with the Bucks, still had a year left in his contract. He tallied a 97-103 record in Milwaukee, losing in the first round of the playoffs for three straight seasons. He led the Bucks to the top of the NBA Cup in 2024.

Rivers was recently named as one of the members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He led the Boston Celtics to the title in 2008 and was named Coach of the Year in 2000 during his stint with the Orlando Magic.

Despite his proven acumen, Rivers failed to steer the Bucks through a challenging campaign fraught with trade rumors involving Antetokounmpo and internal issues. Antetokounmpo already said he is unsure if he will still be in Milwaukee next season.

The firing of Rivers could be the first move in what might be a franchise-altering offseason for the Bucks.

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