It is just a different era, a different time in the NBA, and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has acknowledged it amid the ongoing saga involving superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Just before Thursday evening’s game between Milwaukee and the Washington Commanders at Capital One Arena in Washington, Rivers admitted that it has been tough for him to deal with the trade rumors with respect to managing his players, as the drama unfolds in real time, unlike in the old days.
ViaFox Sports 1’s Rachel Nichols:
Doc Rivers on how to manage the Bucks players dealing Giannis trade rumors: “I don’t know the answer- I’ve never known that answer. It’s so much tougher now than when we played. You’d have to go buy the paper to read the paper.” Notes now the rumors are omnipresent.
Bucks’ chief goal is to win games regardless of the Antetokounmpo situation
While the trade rumors have undeniably become a distraction, at the end of the day, Rivers’ marching order is to guide Milwaukee. So far, he hasn’t been passing the test with flying colors, as the NBA champion head coach has the Bucks under .500.
The team entered the meeting with the Wizards with just 18 victories against 26 losses. Milwaukee also woke up on Thursday on a three-game losing streak following a 139-122 beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers on the road on Tuesday.
Whether Antetokounmpo will still be on Milwaukee’s roster after February’s NBA trade deadline, the goal remains the same for Rivers and the Bucks, which is to win games.
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee forward Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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