The Milwaukee Bucks continue to falter whenever Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the court. In Monday night’s 118-106 loss to the Cavaliers, it was obvious that Milwaukee couldn’t mount a comeback after their Antetokounmpo exited in the second quarter, even though they managed to stay competitive until late in the fourth. Off the sidelines, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers’ son, Austin Rivers, is stepping into the media world, beginning a new chapter at NBC. Before tip-off, the former NBA guard conducted an interview with his father as part of the network’s coverage.
Austin Rivers seized the moment to poke fun at his father while questioning the team’s shaky record, and the exchange quickly erupted into hilarity when Doc bristled at being called by his nickname.
Doc Rivers and Austin Rivers’ funny exchange
January 28, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) talks to head coach Doc Rivers (right) during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 144-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
“Doc, you guys are 8-6 on the year,” Austin started.
“Doc? That’s my name?,” his father, the Bucks head coach responded. “Tonight, alright? Tonight,” Austin continued.
“5-5 over your last 10. What are some ways you guys can clean up or maybe improve on tonight to get a win against the Cavs,” Austin Rivers probed.
Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
After touching on what the Bucks needed to do to overcome the Cavaliers while Giannis Antetokounmpo remained sidelined, Austin Rivers couldn’t resist adding a playful twist, asking how thrilled his father was to have him hovering over him, trying to grab a quote mid-game.
As the short interview wrapped up, Austin saved the best for last, tossing out the most important question of all.
“Why couldn’t you have gotten me a mid-level contract this summer?” asked the NBC host.
“And before you finish, I want you to think about the possibilities here: Summer Houses in the Hamptons, Ski Lodges in Aspen. This could have been ours. Actually, I don’t even want you to. How dare you?” as father and son erupted in laughter, leaving the brief exchange as memorable for its humor as for its insight.
Could Austin Rivers return to the NBA?
Feb 26, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Austin Rivers (25) between plays against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Now 33, Austin Rivers remains capable of playing at a high level if given the opportunity, which made his playful jab at his father over a Bucks contract all the more fitting.
Over an 11-year NBA career, he established himself as a versatile combo guard, blending scoring and playmaking to make an impact wherever he went. His last professional stop came in the 2022-23 season, when he appeared in 52 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves, closing out a memorable run in the league.