Before the Milwaukee Bucks tipped off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, Doc Rivers stirred the pot a bit-intentionally or not-with a bold statement about one of his former stars.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game in Philadelphia, Rivers didn’t hold back in his praise for Joel Embiid.
"I was telling a very, very, very Hall of Fame player that I coached that Joel's the most talented player that I ever coached," Rivers said. "And he was like, 'What?'
And I was like, 'He is!' The things you guys see and then the things you actually don't see in practice sometimes that he can do, it's incredible.
It really is. Unfortunately for me, I never had him healthy once in the playoffs."
That’s high praise from a coach who’s had a front-row seat to some of the game’s elite. Rivers spent three seasons coaching Embiid in Philadelphia from 2020 to 2023, and while the Sixers made the playoffs each year, Embiid was never quite at full strength during the postseason. Still, he averaged 26 points and 10.6 rebounds in those playoff runs, logging 35 minutes per game-numbers that speak to his resilience, even while battling injuries.
On Tuesday, Embiid backed up his coach’s words with another strong showing: 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a 139-122 win over Milwaukee. It was vintage Embiid-powerful, skilled, and operating with a finesse that continues to separate him from most big men in the league.
But Rivers’ comment didn’t just spotlight Embiid’s talent-it also raised eyebrows in Milwaukee. After all, Rivers is now coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and one of the most dominant forces in the modern game.
To call Embiid the most talented player he’s ever coached? That’s a statement that’s going to echo in the Bucks’ locker room.
Especially when you consider Rivers' coaching résumé. He’s worked with 10 players already enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame-granted, some were in their twilight years-but he’s also coached seven more who are on track for Springfield. That list includes names like Chris Paul, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and yes, Giannis.
So what gives? Is Embiid really that special?
From Rivers’ perspective, it’s not just about stats or accolades-it’s about the total package. Embiid’s size, footwork, shooting touch, defensive presence, and passing ability make him one of the most complete bigs the league has ever seen. And when you see what he can do behind closed doors, in practices and workouts, it’s easy to understand why Rivers might feel this way.
Still, it’s a complicated moment. Giannis, like Embiid, is navigating an injury-hampered season.
And with questions swirling about his long-term future in Milwaukee, Rivers’ comments only add another layer to the story. Whether it was a slip or a calculated move to motivate his current superstar, the timing is hard to ignore.
At the end of the day, comparing Embiid and Giannis is like splitting hairs between two generational talents. Embiid might have the edge in pure skillset.
Giannis brings a relentless motor, unmatched athleticism, and a championship pedigree. Different players, different strengths-but both capable of altering the course of a franchise.
For now, Rivers' words will hang in the air. And if the Bucks want to make a deep playoff run this year, Giannis might just use them as fuel.