Heat’s Giannis Antetokounmpo on Doc Rivers’ criticism: ‘That’s insane’

Giannis Antetokounmpo has a new coach. He doesn’t seem particularly interested in answering to his old one.

The Heat star responded Sunday to Doc Rivers’ criticism of his basketball IQ and approach to the game, offering some pointed words after a 114-108 road win over the Kings.

“Oh, my God. First of all, he’s not my coach. My coach is coach Spo,” Antetokounmpo told reporters, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “But he’s a guy, a coach that I’ve worked (with) in the past. I’m speechless.”

He had more to say.

“Never let bitterness or pettiness get in front of your goals and dreams, man,” Antetokounmpo said. “For every athlete out there, never let that (happen), that’s insane. But you gotta go ask him why he said what he said. Not me.”

Rivers, now an NBC analyst, questioned Antetokounmpo’s execution and decision-making during an appearance on Bill Simmons’ podcast. He also suggested Antetokounmpo wanted out of Milwaukee but wanted management to initiate the breakup.

That’s quite a public assessment from a former coach. Antetokounmpo’s preference is to discuss his current team.

“I just gotta focus on my team and what I gotta do and how I can be better and how can I help the team,” he said.

He helped Sunday with 29 points and 14 rebounds. And another former Bucks coach, Jason Kidd, pushed back on Rivers’ assessment.

“I think Giannis understands how to play the game,” Kidd said. “His forcefulness getting downhill is what it’s all about.”

The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo to win games. Sunday, he delivered one, then made clear Rivers’ commentary wasn’t especially welcome.