Bucks player ‘checked out on season’ after Doc Rivers accused vets of failing him

One could write a 2,000-page book about the Milwaukee Bucks’ controversial season, and that might still not even cover the whole drama that apparently unfolded.

The Bucks finished their woeful campaign with a 32-50 record, breaking their nine-year appearance streak in the playoffs. Just minutes after they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in their season finale on Sunday, Doc Rivers stepped down as coach.

Of course, there is also the hullabaloo regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, which hounded the Bucks all season. It created tension in the locker room, although Antetokounmpo repeatedly tried to quell it by stressing that he is happy in Milwaukee.

Rivers also maintained an even-keeled attitude—optimistic, even—when talking to the media about the squad.

But according to a report from The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Rivers chewed out the veterans in a meeting before their game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in March.

“Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Rivers informed the veterans that he believed they had failed him this season and questioned the group’s commitment, conditioning, focus, and leadership,” wrote Nehm.

Nehm added that the 64-year-old Rivers, who surprisingly took over from Adrian Griffin in 2024, “incensed the group.”

“That’s when I checked out on this season,” said one of the veterans, as quoted by Nehm.

He refused to be named in the report.

There have been multiple reports claiming that there was a disconnect between Rivers and the players, leading to a fractured culture.

Rivers, who expressed hope for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks following his exit, still had a year left in his $40 million contract when he stepped down from his post.

Rivers is known to lose his voice during games. Apparently, he also lost it, figuratively, in the locker room.

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