Giannis Antetokounmpo says he is speechless after Rivers questioned his IQ
Antetokounmpo responds to Rivers
After Miami defeated the Sacramento Kings 114-108 on Sunday night, reporters asked Antetokounmpo about Rivers’ recent remarks. Rivers had said on The Bill Simmons Podcast that Antetokounmpo did not have a “super-high IQ” and was difficult to coach.
Antetokounmpo said Erik Spoelstra is his coach now, while noting he had worked with Rivers before. He described himself as “speechless” and said Rivers should be asked why he believed what he said.
A focus on the team
Antetokounmpo said his attention was on his team and on how he could improve and help. He also urged athletes not to let bitterness or pettiness interfere with their goals and dreams.
He appeared to seek clarification about when Rivers had made the comments. The article says it was difficult to imagine Antetokounmpo had avoided seeing or hearing the viral clip, particularly after Spoelstra was asked about it Friday.
Rivers’ Milwaukee tenure
Rivers, now an analyst for NBC, retired from coaching last season. He went 97-103 with Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee after leaving ESPN mid-season to join the Bucks in 2024, replacing Adrian Griffin, whose record was 30-13 at the time.
Antetokounmpo had won an NBA title and an MVP in Milwaukee before Rivers arrived. Rivers is a Hall of Fame coach, ranks sixth in regular-season NBA coaching wins, reached the playoffs 21 times in 27 seasons and led the Boston Celtics to a championship.
Key points
- Rivers questioned Antetokounmpo’s IQ and said he was difficult to coach.
- Antetokounmpo responded after Miami beat Sacramento 114-108 on Sunday night.
- Antetokounmpo said Rivers should explain his remarks and that he was focused on his team.
- Rivers went 97-103 with Antetokounmpo while coaching Milwaukee.