Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has apologised to Giannis Antetokounmpo after describing the Greek forward as a player without a particularly high basketball IQ.
Rivers faced heavy criticism after suggesting on Bill Simmons’ podcast that Antetokounmpo did not have a “super IQ” for basketball and relied mainly on driving to the basket with power. The comments came after Rivers spent three seasons coaching the two-time NBA MVP in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo, who joined the Miami Heat in an offseason trade, has made an impressive start to the season despite the team’s struggles. He is averaging 27.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists across 10 games.
Speaking to Andscape, Rivers clarified his remarks and revealed that he had sent Antetokounmpo a text message apologising for his comments.
“I was saying…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. That is the point I was trying to make” Rivers said.
