Myles Turner's very specific complaint about Giannis Antetokounmpo -- and why Doc Rivers never stopped it

CBS Sports Headlines2h ago5 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Myles Turner criticized Doc Rivers for not enforcing discipline during his time with the Bucks, leading to player tardiness, particularly Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team's dysfunction contributed to their poor performance last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Key points

Myles Turner criticized Doc Rivers for lack of discipline
Turner mentioned Giannis Antetokounmpo's tardiness
The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016
Team dysfunction contributed to poor performance
Decision on Giannis' future expected before 2026 NBA Draft

Mentioned in this story

Myles TurnerGiannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee BucksDoc RiversBreanna StewartJimmy Haslam

Getty Images Did you know that New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart and Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner have a podcast together? Well, now do you do. On the latest episode of their show, "Game Recognize Game," Turner revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes intel about the Bucks' dysfunction last season, and specifically called out Doc Rivers and Giannis Antetokounmpo. During a rapid-fire questions segment, Stewart brought up new Liberty coach Chris DeMarco's fine system, which includes $25 penalties for missed free-throw box outs, and asked Turner if NBA players get fined a lot. Turner said that former Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who has since been replaced by Taylor Jenkins, would not issue fines, which caused the team to lose discipline. We'll pick the segment up there:

**Turner:** Well, it depends on the coach. Doc Rivers, he didn't fine anybody, ever. Guys were late all the time, guys were showing up to film whenever they wanted to show up, guys were missing meetings. It was one of the craziest things I've personally ever experienced. But any other team I've been on, guys got fined, and there was a sense of order and a sense of understanding. You're late to the plane? Fine. You're late to treatment? Fine. You're late to film? Fine. But I personally did not experience that last year for the first time in my career, so we'll see what Taylor Jenkins does, our new coach.

**Stewart:** So who's the teammate that's most likely to be late? Well, all of yours, obviously, because nobody gets fined.

**Turner:** Bro, we literally -- if the plane took off 2 o'clock, we weren't leaving until 4:30. I'm being so serious bro. It was crazy. Guys were hours late to the plane. It got to the point where I just knew not to show up until like an hour after they said the plane was taking off. It was crazy. But that's easy: Giannis. Giannis is gonna show up whenever he wants really, you know? I think that it kinda just came with the territory. and once I saw what was going down, I was like 'Hey man, more power to you. They ain't gonna fine you. Do what you do.' Doc Rivers never gave out fines, players late for planes, and getting fined for not boxing out. 😂

Q&A

What did Myles Turner say about Doc Rivers' coaching style?

Myles Turner stated that Doc Rivers never fined players for tardiness or missed meetings, which led to a lack of discipline within the team.

How did Giannis Antetokounmpo's tardiness affect the Bucks?

Turner mentioned that Giannis often showed up late, which contributed to the overall dysfunction and poor performance of the Bucks last season.

What were the consequences of the Bucks' dysfunction last season?

The Bucks finished with a record under .500 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, largely due to player accountability issues and injuries.

What is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks?

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam indicated that a decision regarding Giannis' future will be made before the 2026 NBA Draft, amid ongoing trade rumors.