Doc Rivers, who spent a considerable number of years manning the sidelines for the 76ers, is not exactly a name that will evoke good memories from the Philadelphia faithful. Between his well-documented fiascos and his disappointing finishes with the team in the postseason, the Hall of Famer's stint in Philly is one marred by drama for the most part. Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo just got a taste of what the franchise had to deal with when it comes to their former coach.
Just recently, Rivers made a slew of remarks about Giannis. He said that the two-time MVP wanted to play the good guy during his infamous trade saga with the Bucks, which culminated in him getting shipped to the Heat during the offseason. He also made a comment about the Greek Freak not necessarily having a "super IQ" when it comes to basketball, which made rounds on social media.
The 76ers can empathize with what Giannis is facing with Doc Rivers
Asked about his response to his former coach's comments, Giannis simply said that he was speechless. He noted that Rivers, who coached him in Milwaukee, is no longer the man he is playing for, and that instead, people should ask Doc himself why he thought that way about how things went down between him and the franchise.
This route is one that is all too familiar to the 76ers. Rivers, somehow revered as one of the brightest minds in basketball, ignited way too much sparks without any real success with the team to show for it.
One can recall the way he threw Ben Simmons off the bus following their abysmal Game 7 loss to the Hawks a few years back by flat-out saying that he does not know if he can be the point guard for a championship team, which laid the groundwork for the former star's unceremonious standoff and exit from the franchise.
Rivers also reportedly fell out of favor with James Harden, who was even rumored to have hinged his future on the prospect of the longtime coach getting axed. Doc himself later said that Harden simply clashed with him when it came to their basketball philosophy.
There was simply little accountability that came from Rivers' end. He was the best at washing his hands to exculpate himself from blame. Most of his former players do not have high opinions of him and there is a good reason why. Now, even someone like Giannis, who is known for building tight-knit relationships from players to league personnel is not immune from the Hall of Fame coach's antics.
Well, the 76ers have seen this before. Unfortunately for the Greek Freak, Doc Rivers will continue to paint himself as the good guy no matter what.
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