Ex-Bucks Player Blames Doc Rivers Hiring for Giannis' Frustration

Former forward Jae Crowder says the Bucks' decision to fire Adrian Griffin and hire Rivers "started the avalanche" leading to Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade request.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:55pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a major crisis after star player Giannis Antetokounmpo requested a trade. Former Bucks forward Jae Crowder took to social media to blame the team's decision to fire head coach Adrian Griffin and hire Doc Rivers as the catalyst for the current situation, saying "WE WERE 30-13 BTW. TO BRING IN DOC. THIS IS WHAT STARTED THE AVALANCHE."

Why it matters

The Bucks were one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, but their decision to move on from the successful Griffin and bring in Rivers has seemingly led to Giannis' frustration and desire to leave the team. This could force the Bucks into a full-scale rebuild, drastically altering the franchise's future.

The details

The Bucks had a 30-13 record under Griffin in the 2023-2024 season, but shockingly fired him and hired Rivers, who has only won about 50% of his games in his three seasons with the team. The Bucks have made the playoffs the last two years but failed to get out of the first round, and this season they are just 18-27 with the trade deadline approaching.

  • The Bucks fired head coach Adrian Griffin in 2023.
  • The Bucks hired Doc Rivers as their new head coach in 2023.
  • The Bucks are currently 18-27 this season, with the trade deadline less than two weeks away.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' star player who has reportedly requested a trade from the team.

Jae Crowder

A former Milwaukee Bucks forward who took to social media to criticize the team's decision to fire Adrian Griffin and hire Doc Rivers.

Doc Rivers

The current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who was hired in 2023 after the team fired Adrian Griffin despite his successful tenure.

Adrian Griffin

The former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who was fired in 2023 despite leading the team to a 30-13 record in the 2023-2024 season.

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What they’re saying

“WE WERE 30-13 BTW. TO BRING IN DOC. THIS IS WHAT STARTED THE AVALANCHE.”

— Jae Crowder, Former Milwaukee Bucks Forward

What’s next

The trade deadline would be a logical time for the Bucks to part ways with Giannis Antetokounmpo, as it would give them a head start on their rebuild. If Giannis stays in Milwaukee beyond the deadline, it delays the inevitable and forces the Bucks to enter key offseason dates with a lot on their plate.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to fire a successful head coach in Adrian Griffin and replace him with the underperforming Doc Rivers appears to have been the catalyst for Giannis Antetokounmpo's frustration and desire to leave the team. This move has put the Bucks in a precarious position, forcing them to potentially rebuild around a new superstar.