All-Star guard Damian Lillard was acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in October 2023 as part of a historic three-team trade that also included the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. In January 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, two explosive players, are speaking out about the recent appointment of seasoned coach Doc Rivers.

Having coached for a long time and achieved great success, Doc Rivers has taken on the difficult task of managing a squad that includes two of the biggest players in the league. Antetokounmpo’s outstanding performance of 30 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists in the Bucks’ recent convincing victory appears to have set the stage for a promising working relationship between the club and their new head coach.

The league’s most dominant player and current Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, showed his respect for Rivers and acknowledged the grit and perseverance that come with the work. “It speaks volumes,” Antetokounmpo remarked after the game. “You could tell what he’s built of. He’s tough. It’s hard to take this job.”

Antetokounmpo emphasized the immense pressure that comes with high expectations, stating, “You lose, it feels like the whole world is ending. You win by five, why didn’t you win by 20? It’s hard. Nothing is good enough. Only a championship is good enough. We’ve got to that point, which is crazy. But I’m embracing it.”

But the thing that appears to most thrill Antetokounmpo is Rivers’ background and self-assurance under pressure. He emphasized the value of having a team captain who can mentor the players through difficulties and comprehends the club’s ultimate objective of winning a championship. “Having someone in your locker room who can provide you with guidance and direction is always beneficial. I’m happy that he recognizes that our goal is to win a championship. Antetokounmpo remarked, “I think everyone in this locker room understands that.”

Along with acknowledging the need for time as the club gets used to new routines and tactics, Antetokounmpo also mentioned the adjustment period that follows a coaching change. It’s going to take time because everybody has different routines and a different coach, he said. However, I believe that uniting as a team is the most crucial point he made. We can reach our goals more quickly the more cohesively we work as a team.

Conversely, Damian Lillard—who is renowned for his clutch plays and leadership abilities—spoke about his thoughts on Doc Rivers joining the coaching staff. Lillard highlighted Rivers’ breadth of experience in the NBA as a coach and player, and how that experience may help the squad.

“We all know what he brings,” Lillard said. “We’ve heard his voice, him coaching other teams. We know he’s had success. He played in this league. He went to school in this city. He’s been around a long time as a coach. He’s coached a lot of great players.”

Lillard pointed out Rivers’ ability to motivate and challenge players, stating, “He’s a strong voice. And he’s going to demand more from our team. He’s not going to be afraid to challenge myself. He’s not going to be afraid to challenge Giannis. He’s not going to be afraid to challenge Brook (Lopez) and Khris.”

The former star of the Blazers also drew comparisons between the high standards Rivers faced while with the Boston Celtics and his accomplishment as a coach. “I think his greatest success as a coach was in an environment where there were high expectations in Boston,” observed Lillard.

For a team full of senior players and great expectations, Antetokounmpo and Lillard agree that Rivers’ leadership is essential. The Bucks’ locker room is buzzing with enthusiasm thanks to a seasoned coach like Rivers and championship hopes.

The hiring of Doc Rivers as the Bucks’ head coach has drawn attention from both observers and supporters as they set out to win a championship. It remains to be seen how the team’s relationships and, eventually, their pursuit of a championship will be affected by this calculated move. The NBA landscape is engrossed in another compelling narrative, and fans of basketball will be excited to follow the Bucks’ progress under Coach Rivers and the dynamic tandem of Antetokounmpo and Lillard.