Photo Credit: NBA Analysis Network
Myles Turner offered blunt criticism of the culture inside the Milwaukee Bucks during Doc Rivers’ lone full season as head coach, describing a lack of discipline and accountability that he said shocked him during his first year with the franchise.
Speaking on the Game Recognize Game podcast with Breanna Stewart, Turner said Rivers “didn’t fine anybody” for being late to meetings, film sessions or team flights.
“Guys were late all the time.” Turner said. “Guys were showing up to film whenever they wanted to show up. Guys were missing meetings. It was one of the craziest things I personally ever experienced.”
Turner Singles Out Antetokounmpo
When Stewart asked which player was most frequently late, Turner quickly pointed to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Giannis. Giannis is going to show up whenever he wants, really,” Turner said. “Once I saw what was going down, I was like, ‘Hey man, more power to you. They ain’t going to fine you. Do what you do.’”
Turner added that the atmosphere eventually changed his own approach to punctuality.
“Guys were an hour late to the plane,” Turner said. “It got to the point where I knew not to show up until an hour after they said the plane was taking off.”
The veteran center joined Milwaukee last offseason on a four-year, $108.9 million deal after spending the first decade of his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers.
Bucks Entering Pivotal Offseason
Milwaukee finished 32-50 during Rivers’ final season, ending the franchise’s nine-year playoff streak.
The Bucks dismissed Rivers on April 13 and later hired former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins as his replacement.
Turner suggested he expects stricter standards under Jenkins.
“Every other team I’ve been on, guys got fined,” Turner said. “There was a sense of order and a sense of understanding.”
The comments arrive during a turbulent stretch for Milwaukee as the organization evaluates its future with Antetokounmpo. Reports earlier this week indicated the Bucks are willing to listen to trade inquiries involving the two-time MVP.
Milwaukee won the NBA championship in 2021 behind Antetokounmpo, but the franchise now faces major questions after a disappointing season and sweeping organizational changes.
