New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart and Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner co-host the podcast "Game Recognize Game." On a recent episode, Turner shared revealing behind-the-scenes intel about the Bucks' dysfunction last season.
Doc Rivers Never Fined Players
During a rapid-fire questions segment, Stewart brought up new Liberty coach Chris DeMarco's fine system—including $25 penalties for missed free-throw box outs—and asked Turner if NBA players get fined often.
Turner said former Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who has since been replaced by Taylor Jenkins, would not issue fines, which caused the team to lose discipline.
"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."
Late to Everything: The Plane, Treatment, Film
Turner explained that on other teams, players faced fines for being late to the plane, treatment or film, creating a sense of order. But last season with the Bucks was different.
"If the plane took off at 2 o'clock, we weren't leaving until 4:30. I'm being so serious. It was crazy. Guys were hours late to the plane."
When asked which teammate was most likely to be late, Turner didn't hesitate: "Giannis. Giannis is gonna show up whenever he wants. They ain't gonna fine you. Do what you do."
Bucks on Court Struggles
The Bucks finished with the 10th-worst record in the league and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Giannis played just 36 games due to injuries, including multiple calf strains.
Turner's comments about the team's dysfunction help explain why the on-court product was so poor. The Bucks ranked 26th in defensive rating (118.3) and 25th in turnover rate (15.4%).
A source told ESPN earlier this year: "This is as toxic of a team situation as any in the league."
What This Means for Giannis
There has hardly been a bad word uttered about Antetokounmpo over his 13-year tenure with the Bucks, making Turner's public criticism notable.
It's hard to imagine Turner saying that about someone he expected to play with next season, which adds credence to the idea that Antetokounmpo could be traded this summer.