Doc Rivers told Andscape on Monday that he reached out to Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo to apologize for a remark made on a recent podcast. Rivers, the former Milwaukee Bucks coach now an NBA analyst for NBC Sports, clarified that his comments about Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ were meant as a compliment. Rivers stated he meant to say "feel for the game" instead of "super IQ" and apologized for the distraction, noting Antetokounmpo responded positively.
Rivers also stood by his comment that Antetokounmpo was "not easy" to coach, framing it as praise for the player's greatness. He emphasized that the point was fitting a team around a great player. Antetokounmpo addressed the comments publicly on Sunday, stating he is speechless and that Rivers is a coach he has worked with in the past.
Now with Miami, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.5 points and 12.8 rebounds, helping the Heat improve to 4-6. Rivers coached Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee for parts of three seasons before being relieved of duties at the end of last season.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing