Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: coaching

  • Greek Freak Folly: Giannis, not Doc Rivers, Is Sinking the Bucks

    Greek Freak Folly: Giannis, not Doc Rivers, Is Sinking the Bucks

    Milwaukee Bucks fans are at it again. As the 2024-25 season wrapped up with another frustrating early playoff exit— a first-round flameout against the Pacers after scraping into the postseason as the East’s No. 5 seed at 48-34—the scapegoat du jour is Doc Rivers. Social media is ablaze with calls for his firing, memes about his “clutch-time meltdowns,” and hot takes blaming everything from his rotations to his post-game pressers. But let’s pump the brakes. Doc Rivers isn’t the villain here. He’s a championship-winning coach (2008 with the Celtics, remember?) who’s now saddled with a .548 winning percentage in Milwaukee despite inheriting a roster that’s equal parts superstar talent and glaring mismatches. The real culprit? Giannis Antetokounmpo. Yeah, the two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and perpetual All-NBA freak of nature. His limitations—stubborn refusal to evolve his game, a personality that keeps potential teammates at arm’s length, and a playing style that’s tailor-made for 82-game stat-padding but crumbles under playoff pressure—are the anchors dragging this franchise down. It’s time to stop with the excuses and face the music: Giannis is a regular-season monster who vanishes when the lights get brightest.

    Doc Rivers: The Fall Guy for a Flawed Star System

    Hired mid-2023-24 after Adrian Griffin’s abrupt firing, Doc Rivers walked into a pressure cooker. The Bucks were 30-13 under Griffin, but whispers of locker-room discord and defensive lapses were already swirling. Rivers steadied the ship somewhat, finishing that season at 13-7 after a rocky 5-6 start in his tenure. Fast-forward to 2024-25: 48 wins, a top-11 offense (115.5 PPG), and a middling defense (113.0 PPG allowed)—hardly the apocalypse. His overall Bucks record? A pedestrian 66-54.

    Fans point to Doc’s “poor adjustments” in the playoffs—like last year’s second-round debacle against the Celtics in 2024, where Milwaukee got swept in five after Giannis’ calf injury sidelined him for two games. But even when healthy, Rivers’ teams have overachieved relative to talent. In Boston, he won 56 games with a balanced roster; in Milwaukee, he’s squeezing blood from a stone. As one insider noted ahead of 2025-26, Rivers is “uniquely qualified” to maximise this group’s defence, yet the Bucks’ interior personnel (hello, Giannis and Lopez) hasn’t translated to elite stops because the offence stalls in crunch time—more on that later.

    Blame Doc if you want rotation roulette or sideline suits, but he’s not the reason the Bucks are 11-17 in the playoffs since their 2021 title run. That’s on the guy whose name is on the marquee.

    Giannis’ Game: All Gas, No Brakes—And No Jumper

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is a walking highlight reel: 6’11”, freight-train athleticism, and stats that scream superstar. Career regular-season averages? 23.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.9 APG on freakish efficiency. In 2024-25, he bumped that to 30.4 PPG and 11.9 RPG, finishing second in scoring. But playoffs? That’s where the mask slips. Career postseason: 27.0 PPG and 12.2 RPG—impressive volume, sure, but on brutal efficiency. His true shooting dips to 56% from 61% in the regular season, and his three-point volume craters (1.5 makes on 4.0 attempts at 38%, vs. 29% career). Teams pack the paint, dare him to shoot, and he obliges with wild drives that yield turnovers or contested bricks.

    The real indictment? Clutch time. In his last seven playoff games (spanning 2024-25’s first-round exit), Giannis averaged 29.9 PPG but on laughable 53/25/60 splits—53% FG, 25% from three, 60% FT—and a 56% TS. That’s not elite; that’s inefficient heroism. Critics have roasted him for years: In 2020, he “choked” against the Heat by settling for jumpers instead of attacking; in 2023, Miami’s zone exposed his lack of shooting, forcing 20+ FT attempts per game (he shot 63% from the line). Even in the 2021 Finals, his 50-point closeout was iconic, but it masked a series of inefficient outbursts (e.g., 34 points on 28 shots in Game 4).

    At 30, Giannis hasn’t grown. No reliable mid-range, no pull-up game, no off-ball movement. He’s a one-dimensional bulldozer who pads stats in open-floor regular-season romps but gets neutralized when schemes tighten. As one analyst put it, “Giannis is the only severely limited player of that caliber in the NBA,” and opponents exploit it ruthlessly. Doc can’t coach evolution into a guy who’s won two MVPs without bothering to add a jumper. He can’t screen either. Hell, he can’t even understand more advanced plays and dumbs down the entire team.

    The Lone Wolf: Why Superstars Ghost the Bucks

    Giannis’ personality doesn’t help recruitment. He’s infamously antisocial with rivals—refusing offseason workouts with other NBA players because it “takes off his edge.” In a league where chemistry is king (think Curry-Draymond or LeBron-AD), this “me vs. the world” vibe screams red flag. He doesn’t train with active players, doesn’t build bonds; it’s all business, no buddies. Damian Lillard joined in 2023, sure, but that was a salary-dump necessity, not a dream team-up. Dame’s fit was clunky—pick-and-rolls fizzle because Giannis clogs the lane—and whispers of friction emerged by mid-2025.

    Other stars? Crickets. Why join a small-market grind where you’re the sidekick to a ball-dominant alpha who won’t pass out of doubles? Trade rumours swirl around Giannis himself—recent “very real” talks with the front office about his future—but no superstar is lining up for Milwaukee. As one Bucks beat writer noted, even Giannis knows trades happen to “superstars” if the front office falters, yet his isolated style makes building a superteam feel impossible. In an era of player empowerment, who’d choose iso-ball in the Deer District over Hollywood glamour?

    Excuses, Excuses: Bucks Fans’ Greatest Hits (And Misses)

    Bucks Nation has a PhD in deflection. Let’s run through the classics:

    • Coaches Are the Cancer: Budenholzer “couldn’t adjust” in 2023 (fired after a first-round loss). Griffin was “too green” in 2024 (axed after 43 games). Now Doc’s “clueless rotations” and “awful clutch offense” get the boot. Reality? Three coaches in four years, same result: playoff no-shows. The constant? Giannis’ unchanged game.
    • Front Office Fiascos: Jon Horst gets roasted for trading Jrue Holiday for Lillard (a net loss in defense and vibes) or not surrounding Giannis with shooters. Fair, but Horst built the 2021 champs. Blaming execs ignores that no GM can fix a star who won’t shoot threes.
    • Refs Robbing Us Blind: “The league hates Milwaukee!” cries after every foul call (or non-call) on Giannis’ drives. But his 60% FT in playoffs? That’s on him, not zebras.
    • Injuries Are Curses: Giannis’ 2024 calf tear, Middleton’s endless ankles, Lillard’s groin—valid hurdles, but they’ve played 70+ games each in 2024-25. Excuses don’t win series.
    • Roster Rejects: “We need shooters!” Sure, but adding Portis and Crowder hasn’t moved the needle because Giannis’ gravity pulls defenders inward, killing spacing.

    These aren’t conspiracies; they’re shields against the truth. As Kevin Garnett bluntly said, Doc’s struggles stem from “the players,” not his schemes—every roster can’t play for him, but Giannis’ limitations amplify flaws everywhere.

    Time to Trade the Freak? A Reckoning for Milwaukee

    The Bucks’ 2021 ring was lightning in a bottle—health, grit, and a perfect storm. Since? Four straight playoff disappointments: ECF loss in 2022, first-rounders in ’23 and ’24, and another quick exit in ’25. Giannis is the common denominator: a stat-sheet stuffer who feasts on regular-season cupcakes (30+ PPG on fast breaks) but wilts when schemed against. His “clutch block” in 2021 was magic; his 2025 closeouts were duds.

    Doc Rivers might not be the saviour, but firing him now is just another excuse. The real fix? A hard reset around a star who can actually grow—or trade the one who won’t. Bucks fans, your loyalty is admirable, but denial is deadly. Face it: The Greek Freak’s limitations aren’t fixable by coaching tapes or trades. They’re baked in. Until Milwaukee admits that, the parade dreams stay on hold.

    If you’re reading this in Milwaukee, stock up on therapy sessions. Stop sharing his points/assists/rebound numbers. We all know they are rigged for him, the entire team helping him get those numbers and sacrificing their own. Stop shouting “when he gets a jumper…” he never will. Or “wow, what a dribble” in the one time it works out. Giannis can’t shoot. He can’t dribble (tops the leagues in palming and other errors.) He can’t pass, Sengun is 100% correct. Forget about that highlight mid season when it didn’t count. He has no court vision and no basketball IQ. Stop judging him from highlights against easy opponents and re-watch the tougher games. The truth hurts, but it’s the only path forward.

    Giannis loves Doc Rivers – here is why and how https://greekinter.net/giannis/2025/05/20/doc-rivers-tenure-with-the-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-loves-him-end-of-story/

    What Doc Rivers said to Giannis and Dame in their not so secret meeting https://greekinter.net/giannis/2025/03/23/what-doc-rivers-said-to-dame-and-giannis-in-their-secret-meeting/

    Giannis is uncoachable – read the signs https://greekinter.net/giannis/2025/03/19/it-aint-doc-rivers-fault-giannis-is-simply-uncoachable/

  • Can the Bucks copy what Greece is doing with Giannis?

    Can the Bucks copy what Greece is doing with Giannis?

    The way Greece deploys Giannis differs markedly from his role with the Bucks, highlighting the contrasts between NBA team dynamics and FIBA. Let’s break it down based on his usage, role, and impact. Sure, up to now he has avoided any serious match ups. He knew to sit out the game against Nurkic who probably had his number and has generally played against much easier opponents. But that’s not all.

    A More Isolated, Scoring-Heavy Role with Greece

    With the Bucks, Giannis operates as the primary offensive engine in a balanced NBA system, but he’s surrounded by complementary pieces like shooters (e.g., Damian Lillard before his departure) and secondary creators who help distribute the load. Milwaukee’s offence often runs through pick-and-rolls, drive-and-kick actions, and staggered minutes with players like Khris Middleton, allowing Giannis to conserve energy for his signature rim attacks while sharing playmaking duties. His usage rate hovers around 35-38% in recent seasons, but it’s mitigated by the team’s depth and the 48-minute NBA game length.

    In contrast, Greece under coach Vassilis Spanoulis treats Giannis as an absolute focal point—essentially the “unquestioned alpha” in a roster lacking the Bucks’ spacing and depth. The Greek squad, featuring his brothers Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo, Tyler Dorsey, Kostas Sloukas, and Kostas Papanikolaou, relies heavily on Giannis to carry the load, especially without elite NBA-caliber support like Nick Calathes or Georgios Papagiannis. This has led to more isolation-heavy usage, where he’s often triple-teamed but still explodes for 25+ points in eight straight EuroBasket games—a streak that’s extended to 10 now.

    This isolation emphasis stems from FIBA’s tighter court (91 feet vs. NBA’s 94) and distinct rules—no defensive three-second violation, shorter shot clock (24 seconds vs. 30), and more physical play—which amplify Giannis’ drives but expose the team’s limited shooting. Spanoulis has even opted for small-ball lineups, positioning Giannis as the “five” (center) against mixed defences to exploit mismatches. Teammate Tyler Dorsey called him an “unstoppable force,” noting how the team rallies around his dominance despite the roster’s gaps.

    Fewer Minutes, But Higher Intensity and Efficiency

    One stark difference is minutes played. With the Bucks, Giannis logs 33-35 minutes per game over an 82-game grind, often showing fatigue in clutch moments (as discussed in prior analyses of his high usage). At EuroBasket, he’s averaging under 30 minutes per outing—e.g., 29 in the Israel win—thanks to shorter 40-minute games and blowouts when he’s on. This rest allows fresher legs, leading to absurd efficiency: 78% FG against Israel and 82% vs. Georgia, far surpassing his NBA marks (around 60% FG overall).

    However, officiating has been a point of contention. Spanoulis blasted refs after the Spain game, arguing Giannis gets “hacked” without calls—e.g., just 12 free throws despite driving relentlessly—compared to stars like Luka Dončić (20-23 FTs per game). In Milwaukee, Giannis draws 10-12 FTAs per game with NBA whistles favouring stars; in FIBA, the physicality (and perceived bias) forces him to power through without as many trips to the line, making his scoring even more reliant on athleticism.

    Rebounding and Defence: Amplified by Necessity

    Rebounding is similar (9.8 at EuroBasket vs. 11.9 with Bucks), but Greece’s weaker interior depth means Giannis crashes harder—e.g., 14 vs. Spain and 10 vs. Israel—while also anchoring a switch-heavy defence. With the Bucks, he shares this with bigs like Brook Lopez (pre-trade); here, he’s the lone rim protector, leading to more blocks and steals (e.g., 2 each vs. Georgia). Assists are slightly lower (4 vs. 6.5), as Greece’s offence funnels through his drives rather than complex Bucks sets, though he flashed play making with 9 vs. Spain.

    The Bigger Picture: Hero Ball vs. System Ball

    Ultimately, Greece uses Giannis as a one-man wrecking crew—isolating him to “play superhero every possession” in a depth-starved setup—yielding MVP-level output but exposing vulnerabilities if he’s off (Greece lost their only game without him, 80-77 to Bosnia). With the Bucks, he’s the hub of a more distributed system, reducing his touches but enhancing team efficiency. This FIBA freedom suits his game on the smaller court, where his length and speed overwhelm, but it risks burnout in knockouts—like tomorrow’s quarterfinal vs. Lithuania.

    If Greece advances (they’re three wins from a title, their first since 2005), it could validate this usage as a blueprint for high-stakes play. For Bucks fans, it underscores why Milwaukee needs better support around him heading into 2025-26. Giannis’ EuroBasket run (second-highest scorer at 30 PPG behind Dončić’s 34) proves he’s adaptable, but his true test is blending this dominance with NBA balance.

    Unprecedented Usage Rate for a Big Man in the NBA

    In the 2023 NBA season, Giannis recorded a usage rate of 38.77%, one of the highest in NBA history, trailing only behind ball-dominant guards like Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Usage rate measures the percentage of a team’s offensive possessions a player uses while on the court, and Giannis’ figure is extraordinary for a power forward/centre. Unlike perimeter ball-handlers who typically dominate usage, big men rarely command such a large share of the offence.

    This high usage translates to Giannis controlling the ball for extended periods, often driving to the basket or creating plays. While this maximises his individual impact, it can limit touches and scoring opportunities for teammates. The Bucks have attempted to diversify their offence in recent seasons, slightly reducing Giannis’ usage and increasing roles for players like Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard. Yet, Giannis remains the undisputed focal point of Milwaukee’s attack.

    Impact on Teammates’ Offensive Rhythm

    Giannis’ ball dominance has a measurable effect on his teammates. Data from sources like StatMuse and NBA.com shows that players like Khris Middleton often perform better in terms of scoring efficiency and usage when Giannis is off the court. For example, Middleton’s effective field goal percentage and per-game scoring tend to rise in minutes without Giannis, suggesting that the latter’s heavy ball-handling can disrupt teammates’ offensive rhythm.

    This dynamic is particularly evident in lineups where Giannis’ presence reduces teammates to secondary roles, limiting their ability to find a consistent flow. The Bucks have experimented with staggered lineups to balance this, giving players like Middleton and Lillard more opportunities to handle the ball. However, the team’s heavy reliance on Giannis as the primary creator often overshadows these efforts, especially in crunch time.

    Shooting Efficiency: A Growing Concern

    While Giannis excels at scoring in the paint, his shooting efficiency from the free-throw line and beyond the arc remains a weak point. His free-throw percentage has declined in recent seasons, dipping below 65% in some years—well below the league average for primary scorers. This inefficiency is particularly costly in high-pressure situations, where missed free throws can shift momentum.

    Similarly, Giannis’ three-point shooting is a liability. Over the past few seasons, his three-point percentage has hovered between 22% and 28%, and his attempts have decreased, reflecting either reluctance or a strategic shift away from long-range shots. This lack of outside shooting makes his offensive game predictable, forcing him to rely heavily on drives to the basket. In turn, this can lead to contested shots, increased physical wear, and offensive stagnation against elite defences that clog the paint.

    Turnovers, Fatigue, and Clutch Performance

    Giannis’ aggressive style contributes to his turnover rate, which averages around 3 per game but can spike in playoff scenarios or under defensive pressure. These turnovers often stem from ambitious passes or drives into crowded lanes, exacerbated by fatigue. Playing 33-35 minutes per game on average, Giannis’ high usage and physical playing style take a toll, particularly in the fourth quarter.

    While Giannis scores a significant portion of his points (approximately 29.8%) in the final period, his shooting and free-throw percentages dip slightly in clutch moments. This suggests that fatigue impacts his decision-making and efficiency late in games. Moreover, the Bucks’ defensive lapses during Giannis’ extended ball-handling sequences can leave them vulnerable, as opponents capitalize on transition opportunities or exploit mismatches.

    In clutch situations, Giannis’ impact on win probability is mixed. He often generates points through sheer force, but his inefficiencies and turnovers can undermine Milwaukee’s execution when balanced play is critical.

    The Bigger Picture: Stats vs. Team Success

    Giannis’ individual stats are undeniably impressive—his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking place him among the league’s elite. However, his high usage rate, shooting inefficiencies, and late-game challenges raise questions about whether his style priorities individual production over optimal team outcomes. The data suggests that his ball dominance can suppress teammates’ contributions, while his inefficiencies from the free-throw line and beyond the arc limit his versatility in crucial moments. With Greece this is not the case. Giannis wants to play less so he doesn’t risk injury and Greece wants him off the court at parts of the game when he would be a detriment.

    In tougher games, particularly in the playoffs, balanced team play and clutch execution are paramount. Giannis’ current approach, while dominant, may hinder the Bucks’ ability to maximise their championship potential. To address this, Milwaukee could further diversify their offence, encouraging more playmaking from supporting stars like Middleton and Lillard while refining Giannis’ role in late-game scenarios.

    So yes, the Bucks could try it but…

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playing style is a double-edged sword. His historic usage rate and relentless aggression make him a superstar, but they also come at a cost. By limiting teammates’ involvement, struggling with shooting efficiency, and showing vulnerabilities under fatigue, Giannis’ approach can hinder the Bucks in high-stakes games. A more balanced offensive strategy could unlock Milwaukee’s full potential and elevate their chances of winning another championship. But the sad truth is that this sort of approach only works in the Mickey mouse world of the FIBA tournament with second rate players and professionals who do not want to risk injury. Most of them are not playing at full capacity like they would in NBA playoffs where as we have seen many times, Giannis simply cannot move the needle when it counts.

  • Doc Rivers’ Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis loves him, end of story

    Doc Rivers’ Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis loves him, end of story

    Doc Rivers, a seasoned NBA coach with a storied career, joined the Milwaukee Bucks mid season in 2024, taking over from Adrian Griffin after a surprising mid-campaign firing. With a resume boasting an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, over 1,150 regular-season wins, and a reputation as a players’ coach, Rivers was expected to elevate the Bucks to championship contention. However, his time with the Bucks has been a roller coaster of highs, lows, and intense scrutiny. And in the modern NBA it is easier to make coaches the scapegoats than players.

    The Appointment: A Midseason ShakeUp

    In January 2024, the Bucks made a bold move by dismissing Adrian Griffin after just 43 games, despite a 30-13 record. The decision shocked the NBA world, given the team’s strong standing in the Eastern Conference. Rivers, who had been serving as an ESPN analyst after his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, was brought in as head coach. His hiring was seen as a gamble to maximise the championship window of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the 2023-24 season. Rivers’ extensive experience coaching the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and 76ers—made him an appealing choice for a team with immediate title aspirations.

    However, the transition wasn’t seamless. The Bucks were still paying former coaches Mike Budenholzer and Griffin, adding financial complexity to the move. Rivers inherited a talented but injury-plagued roster, and his mid season arrival meant adapting to a team already in motion. Early struggles raised eyebrows, with the Bucks posting an 18-23 record in their first 41 games under Rivers, prompting criticism from fans. One remarked, “Bucks are 18-23 since hiring Doc Rivers… That’s a crazy way to waste Giannis and Dame pairing.”

    Performance in the 2023-24 Season

    Rivers’ first partial season with the Bucks (2023-24) ended with a 49-33 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the playoffs were a disappointment. The Bucks faced the Indiana Pacers in the first round and were eliminated in six games, marking their second consecutive first-round exit. Injuries to key players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, hampered the team’s performance. Rivers faced criticism for failing to advance, with some pointing to his historical playoff struggles, including three infamous 3-1 series lead collapses with previous teams.

    Rivers addressed the criticism, arguing that the narrative around his playoff losses was “unfair in some ways.” He emphasised that his teams have never been swept in the postseason and highlighted the challenge of coaching underdog teams like the 2003 Orlando Magic, which took a 3-1 lead against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons before collapsing. “I don’t get enough credit for getting the three wins,” Rivers told Andscape, underscoring his ability to position teams for success despite ultimate failures.

    The 2024-25 Season: Challenges and Adjustments

    The 2024-25 season brought more challenges. The Bucks finished with a 48-34 record, landing the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite a talented roster, injuries continued to plague the team. Damian Lillard suffered a blood clot during the regular season and later tore his left Achilles in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Pacers, contributing to another early exit in a 119-118 overtime loss in Game 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo also battled injuries, though he delivered a heroic 30-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist performance in Game 5.

    Rivers made notable adjustments during the season. After falling 0-2 to the Pacers in the playoffs, he shook up the starting lineup, inserting players like Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Bobby Portis to compensate for Lillard’s absence. The move paid off in Game 3, with the Bucks securing a 117-101 victory, showcasing Rivers’ ability to adapt under pressure. However, the team couldn’t overcome the series deficit, and Rivers’ son, Austin, publicly defended him against critics, arguing that the playoff loss was due to team mistakes rather than coaching errors. “Every possible mistake that a team could make in a minute was made,” Austin Rivers said on The Ryen Russillo Podcast.

    Rivers also faced health challenges during the season. On April 4, 2025, he fell ill during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing assistant coach Darvin Ham to take over. The Bucks won 126-113, demonstrating the team’s resilience and Ham’s readiness, a testament to Rivers’ coaching staff preparation.

    Relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo

    One of the brightest spots of Rivers’ tenure has been his relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has been vocal about his admiration for Rivers, both as a coach and a person. After the Bucks’ Game 5 loss to the Pacers in 2025, Giannis said, “I love Doc. I think he’s a great human being. He knows how to uplift your spirits and always knows the right thing to say at the right moment.” He humorously added, “He’s been in the NBA for 50 years. Is it 50? I don’t know. Maybe. A lot of years.” Earlier, in February 2024, Giannis described his experience with Rivers as “incredible” and praised his ability to foster team unity.

    This bond has been crucial, especially amid trade rumors surrounding Giannis due to the Bucks’ playoff struggles. Rivers’ ability to connect with his star player has kept the team’s core intact, though speculation about Giannis’ future persists, with some reports suggesting he could chase bigger markets.

    Criticism and Public Perception

    Rivers’ tenure has not been without controversy. A player poll in April 2025 ranked him among the NBA’s worst coaches, with 12.3% of votes, though he was the first coach of a playoff-bound team on the list. Critics point to his postseason record—21 playoff appearances but only two NBA Finals trips and one championship—as evidence of underachievement. The Bucks’ back-to-back first-round exits under Rivers have fuelled this narrative.

    Rivers has pushed back against the criticism, particularly regarding his 3-1 playoff lead collapses. He argues that his teams’ ability to achieve those leads reflects strong coaching, and injuries, like Chris Paul’s in 2015 with the Clippers, often played a role in losses. “One of the things that I’m proud of is we’ve never been swept,” he said, highlighting his teams’ competitiveness.

    Coaching Staff and Organizational Context

    Rivers has leaned on a strong coaching staff, including Darvin Ham, a former Lakers head coach, and his son Spencer Rivers, an assistant coach. The Bucks also saw one of their assistants eyed for a head coaching role elsewhere in May 2025, indicating the quality of Rivers’ staff. However, the organization faces financial constraints, still paying out contracts for former coaches Budenholzer and Griffin, which could complicate any decision to move on from Rivers.

    Looking Ahead

    The Bucks face a pivotal offseason. With Lillard’s Achilles injury and Giannis’ future uncertain, Rivers’ ability to navigate roster changes and injuries will be critical. His regular-season success—nearing Phil Jackson’s win total and securing playoff berths—demonstrates his coaching prowess, but postseason results remain the ultimate measure. Rivers’ experience, player relationships, and adaptability suggest he can steer the Bucks toward deeper playoff runs, but the pressure is on to deliver a championship with a roster built for now.

    Areas of Limited or No Improvement of Giannis under Doc Rivers

    Post Play Efficiency
    While Giannis is dominant in the post, his efficiency against elite defensive teams hasn’t improved under Rivers. Opponents like the Pacers in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs used physical, switch-heavy defences to slow him down, and Rivers’ adjustments (e.g., lineup changes) didn’t fully counter this. Giannis’ post moves remain predictable, relying on power over finesse, and Rivers hasn’t introduced noticeable new wrinkles to his low-post game, such as counters to double-teams or refined footwork.

    Three-Point Shooting
    Giannis’ three-point shooting has not shown notable progress under Rivers. Historically, his outside shot has been a weak point, with career averages hovering around 28-29% from beyond the arc. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 27.4% on 1.3 attempts per game, and in 2024-25, reports suggest no significant uptick in efficiency or volume. Rivers’ offensive schemes have leaned heavily on Giannis’ paint dominance and playmaking, with less emphasis on developing his perimeter game. Fans have noted frustration with Giannis’ lack of a reliable jump shot, with one user stating, “Giannis still can’t shoot threes, and Doc’s not fixing that.” While Rivers has encouraged team-oriented play, there’s no evidence of targeted work to improve Giannis’ three-point consistency. In the modern NBA lack of 3pt is a serious impediment for the whole team and Giannis shot worse than ever this season.

    Free-Throw Shooting
    Free-throw shooting remains a persistent issue for Giannis. His career free-throw percentage is around 70%, but under Rivers, there’s no clear indication of improvement. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 65.7% from the line, a dip from prior years. In the 2024-25 playoffs, his free-throw struggles in high-pressure situations were noted in reports. Rivers’ focus on team unity and Giannis’ role as a facilitator hasn’t translated to addressing this technical flaw, possibly due to limited mid season time or prioritising other aspects of the Bucks’ game plan.

    Late-Game Decision-Making
    Giannis’ decision-making in crunch-time situations has been a point of criticism, particularly in the playoffs. While he’s improved as a playmaker—evidenced by his triple-double in the 2025 playoffs—some analysts argue he still struggles with turnovers or forcing plays in high-stakes moments. For example, during the Bucks’ 2024 and 2025 first-round exits against the Pacers, Giannis’ aggressive style led to occasional rushed shots or turnovers, as noted in game recaps. Rivers’ coaching has emphasised Giannis as the focal point of the offence, but there’s little evidence of specific strategies to refine his late-game composure, such as diversifying his approach or deferring to teammates like Damian Lillard (when healthy). Doc Rivers has resorted to keeping him out of the game as long as possible in the 4th quarter but when Giannis eventually enters he often messes everything up.

    So no, it’s not on Doc Rivers

    Doc Rivers’ tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks is a tale of high expectations, injury setbacks, and a strong connection with Giannis Antetokounmpo. While his regular-season record and leadership have kept the Bucks competitive, playoff disappointments have drawn criticism. Rivers’ ability to adapt, as seen in lineup changes and his handling of adversity, shows why he remains a respected figure in the NBA. Whether he can lead the Bucks to another title will define his legacy in Milwaukee. For now, his bond with Giannis and his resilience in the face of scrutiny keep him with the Bucks but the honest truth is that Giannis is the source of the inflexibility, not Doc. The Bucks have a lot of problems. Doc Rivers is not No1.