‘I hate this…’ – Doc Rivers clarifies Giannis Antetokounmpo takes after Miami star’s response
· Yahoo Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his disappointment about Doc Rivers’ comments recently, and his former coach has now clarified his stance.
Doc Rivers made headlines a few days ago, when he criticised Giannis Antetokounmpo on a podcast appearance. The two were together in Milwaukee for over two years, but the Bucks failed to achieve anything of real significance during that era.
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Rivers suggested that the Greek Freak is not ‘easy to coach’ and made some comments about his playstyle which the Miami Heat star did not appreciate. Antetokounmpo was visibly disappointed when asked about it, and Rivers has now spoken for the first time since his interview blew up.
Doc Rivers admits he hates the situation, apologises for being a ‘distraction’
Rivers has been in the NBA long enough to know better in terms of making such comments about a former superstar. Considering the Heat’s poor start to the season, his take was always going to be amplified. However, he does seem contrite about his role in starting the conversation.
After his comments blew up the way they did, Rivers’ follow-up take came on Monday, and his words were shared by ESPN.
“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.
“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.”
Rivers also mentioned that he apologised to Giannis personally and that the 31-year-old responded positively to it. This should be the end of the discussion, although some may have enjoyed seeing it dragged out. Mutual respect is big in the world of sports, and Doc seems to have taken accountability for what his words have led to.
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