The Milwaukee Bucks' season has been a wild ride so far. Giannis Antetokounmpo's injuries and future in doubt, along with some of Doc Rivers decision making, have left the fanbase with little to enjoy. Before Tuesday's defeat to the Sixers, Rivers said, “Joel (Embiid) is the most talented player I’ve ever coached,” putting into question his head coaching position in Milwaukee and annoying large sections of the fanbase.
Doc Rivers is not helping his case as Bucks coach
When the big narrative around your team is that your two-time MVP, NBA Champions, and franchise icon could potentially be on the way out, one thing you probably shouldn't say is that a previous player you have worked with is more talented, while employed to keep the Greek Freak and his team competitive.
Right now, Milwaukee is far from competitive, with its season spiralling downwards as they sit 3.5 games back of the Play-In spots in the Eastern Conference. Some of that is down to Giannis' injuries, some of that is down to roster construction, and some of it lies with the coaching staff.
Rivers' tenure in Wisconsin hasn't been particularly successful. He took over from rookie head coach Adrian Griffin with the team holding a 30-13 record in the 2023-24 season. Since then, he has a 87-88 record across the regular season and playoffs, also leading the team to an NBA Cup title last season.
The playoffs have not been easy for the Bucks since their title win in 2021, with key injuries to Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard and Giannis all holding the team back and preventing them from maximizing their potential.
At the time of Griffin's firing, the writing was on the wall that Rivers would take the head coaching job, with him already on board as a consultant to the then-head coach. What was a shock to some was that he was signed to a deal through the 2026-27 season with the team. Many fans believe the head coach needs a change to get more out of the team, but it is also difficult to evaluate the real level of this roster and where they sit in the NBA, both with and without Giannis on the court.
If Rivers appeared on a podcast when he wasn't a head coach of a team or had retired, this quote would be completely fine. Doing it when employed by a team with a player who has had battles with Embiid throughout their career and Giannis' accolades speak for themselves, is a perfectly good reason for Bucks fans to be wound up.
During his tenure as Bucks head coach, there have been questions around Rivers, and this quote just further elevates those voices that would prefer a change on the bench. The quote itself is fine, but the timing and position he is in is not a good look, and fans have every right to be frustrated by it.