Doc Rivers Responds to Giannis Antetokounmpo Inciting NBA Investigation After Being Snubbed

Doc Rivers addressed Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments after he called out the organization over his injury status and desire to play in games.

Doc Rivers Responds to Giannis Antetokounmpo Inciting NBA Investigation After Being Snubbed

Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo claims the Bucks are holding him out of games against his wishes despite being healthy.
  • Doc Rivers expresses frustration over the ongoing public disputes between the player and the franchise.
  • The NBA is investigating the Bucks for their handling of Antetokounmpo's injury status and participation policy.

It appears that things are getting more and more complicated between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo called out the organization over his injury status. He revealed that the Bucks are sitting him out against his wishes, even though he is healthy enough to play.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers addressed his star player in front of the media.

This is a grown man’s game and it should be handled that way by everybody. I don’t like when it’s he said, she said stuff. It’s not good. Just from that seat the fact that I have to sit up here and keep addressing it, it bothers me and we need to do something about it.

Doc Rivers in his press conference

There seems to be a lack of understanding and communication between the player and the franchise. After all the noise surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo wanting to leave the Bucks at the trade deadline, nothing materialized. Since then, there have been several mixed signals from the player regarding his future with the club. But he claims that he never asked for a trade and has reiterated his love for the city.

The Bucks are coming off a 133-101 humiliation against the Boston Celtics at the Fiserv Forum on Friday night. Antetokounmpo has not featured for the Bucks since March 15. While he has struggled with injuries this season, he recently said he is healthy enough to play, but the Bucks have been holding him back.

The NBA took notice of his statements and are investigating the Bucks for their handling of the player participation policy and potential inconsistent statements regarding Antetokounmpo’s health. Doc Rivers acknowledged that the Bucks management has told him the same things everyone else has heard. Hence, he is unaware of the ‘Greek Freak’s’ statements.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on the league’s investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks

With every passing week, it looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time with the Bucks is coming to an end. With the postseason out of the picture, it is highly likely that the forward has played his final game for the club.

Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave Bucks (Image via Underdog SA1/X)

After the NBA announced that they will investigate the matter surrounding Antetokounmpo, he said:

I’ve never seen a case of a player of my caliber, that’s like saying it publicly — I want to f****** play… So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on NBA investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are currently at 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30-47 record. They are ten games behind the 10th seeds, the Miami Heat. Hence, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are officially out of the playoff picture this season.

Doc Rivers has a good relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo

It has been a difficult season for Doc Rivers and the club. With all the noise surrounding their star player and a poor performance throughout the season, the Bucks may look to trade Antetokounmpo and rebuild their roster. The Greek superstar is in the prime of his career and would not want to waste his prime years during the club’s rebuilding.

While Rivers admitted there is uncertainty regarding the club’s relationship with Antetokounmpo, he maintained that his personal connection with the player is good.

I have a great relationship with him. I know that part. Literally, we talk almost every day or every day that we can around each other. I think there’s a lot of business to be done.  I’ve heard all the stuff. I just want everybody to be on the same side, because they deserve it, all of them. I do think they’re all good people, but we got to figure out how to put good people on the same page.

Doc Rivers to the media

It remains to be seen what will unfold after the NBA concludes its investigation. Antetokounmpo is already a legend for the club; hence, Bucks fans will hope that they don’t part ways on bad terms.

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