Iman Shumpert was furious after a reporter questioned Giannis Antetokounmpo about Doc Rivers’ recent criticism. The 2016 NBA champion called the question “bad journalism,” arguing that Rivers is no longer Giannis’ coach and that the Miami Heat star should not have to answer for his former coach’s opinions while trying to establish himself with a new team.
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Reacting on the Shump Street Podcast, Shumpert directly challenged the reporter and criticized the decision to bring Rivers’ remarks to Giannis.
“That’s bad journalism. No bullsh*t. Whoever that was, if you want to come on Shump Street, come on the Shump Street Podcast. I’ll break it down. That’s bullsht. Don’t put that on that man when he’s trying to win for Miami. I don’t like sh*t like that,” Shumpert said.
He then took his criticism further, pointing out that Rivers no longer had any coaching connection to Antetokounmpo.
“That’s not even his coach. He has a whole new game plan, a whole new scheme…. I’m gonna find out who it was, and we’re gonna make sure everybody knows who you are now,” Shumpert added during the podcast.
The exchange followed a reporter asking Giannis about Rivers’ comments after Miami’s 114-108 win over the Sacramento Kings on November 8. The former Bucks coach had suggested that Antetokounmpo could sometimes be difficult to coach and that getting the best out of him was not always easy.
Why Doc Rivers’ Comments Sparked a Reaction
Rivers made the remarks during an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he reflected on coaching Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. While acknowledging the forward’s passing ability, he questioned his understanding of certain aspects of the game.
“He has this great passing ability, but he doesn’t necessarily have this super IQ at the same time,” Rivers said. He also described Giannis’ offensive approach as heavily dependent on attacking downhill, adding, “It’s really a strange thing, and he really has one way: downhill, force, force. Every play, he wants to force it.”
Rivers’ criticism went beyond Giannis’ playing style. He argued that the forward needed to improve his understanding of execution, particularly during practices and shootarounds. “I wish he would do one thing, I wish he’d learn how to execute better,” the former Bucks coach said. He also suggested that Giannis had often been able to rely on his individual ability rather than following the details of a team system.
Giannis refused to take responsibility for Rivers’ assessment, directing the reporter back to the former Bucks coach.
“You gotta go ask him why he thought that. That’s on him, that’s not on me. I just gotta focus on my team and what I gotta do and how I can be better and how I can help the team,” Antetokounmpo said.
He followed that response with a message for athletes about keeping personal feelings from interfering with their ambitions.
“But God, that’s crazy. Never let bitterness or pettiness get in front of your goals and dreams, man. For every athlete out there, never let that, that’s insane. But you gotta go ask him why he said what he said, not me,” Giannis added.
The comments come during a significant transition for Antetokounmpo. After spending the first 13 seasons of his NBA career in Milwaukee, he is now adjusting to life in Miami. The Heat were 4-6 through their first 10 games of the season, while Giannis was averaging 27.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, according to the latest report.
Shumpert’s reaction highlights the tension that can arise when a former coach publicly evaluates a player who has moved on. While Rivers offered his perspective on their time together in Milwaukee, Shumpert believes Giannis should not have to answer for those remarks during his new chapter in Miami.