BREAKING NEWS: Milwaukee Bucks National Basketball Head Coach Doc Rivers Reacts in Shock to Crushing NBA Report from Former Head Coach Mike Budenholzer Concerning…

In a development that has stunned NBA circles, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has issued a public response marked by visible shock and disappointment after a scathing report from former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer was leaked early Tuesday morning. The report, which details behind-the-scenes dysfunction during Budenholzer’s final seasons with the team, has ignited controversy just weeks ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.

The 28-page internal document, reportedly compiled by Budenholzer and shared with league executives after his departure in 2023, outlines what he describes as a “toxic culture of miscommunication, fractured leadership, and front-office interference.” The report also alleges that several key player decisions were made without his full input, contributing to the team’s playoff inconsistencies and ultimately, his firing following the Bucks’ early exit in the 2023 playoffs.

Doc Rivers Responds: “This Isn’t the Team I Know”

In a hastily arranged press conference at the Fiserv Forum, Coach Doc Rivers appeared visibly taken aback by the contents of the report.

“I’m shocked. Honestly, I’m shocked,” Rivers told reporters. “I’ve been here long enough now to know this organization, and the people I work with, and this isn’t the team I know. If there were fractures, I haven’t seen them. I came here because I believed in the culture, and I still do.”

Rivers, who was brought in to stabilize and elevate the Bucks after Budenholzer’s departure, emphasized that he has experienced a “highly collaborative environment” with the front office, led by GM Jon Horst.

“We’ve built a great rapport with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], with Khris [Middleton], with the young guys. Whatever happened in the past, I can’t speak on—but I do know it’s not the reality we’re living in now.”

Budenholzer’s Claims: Timeline of Tension

According to the report, Budenholzer claims he was often “overruled or ignored” during key moments, including trade deadline negotiations and injury management decisions. The report names several unnamed executives and points to an “erosion of trust” between coaching and the front office following the team’s 2021 NBA Championship run.

One of the most controversial claims is that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s usage and injury management were areas of dispute—claims that could reignite debates about the team’s postseason strategy and player health protocols during Budenholzer’s tenure.

While Budenholzer has not made a public statement beyond the leaked report, sources close to the former coach say he felt compelled to “set the record straight” after what he views as “misrepresentations” about his exit and coaching record in recent media coverage.

Giannis Reacts, Organization Issues Statement

Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a brief comment on social media, said:

“I respect Coach Bud, but I’m focused on the future. We’re building something great here now.”

The Milwaukee Bucks organization also released a short statement saying they were “reviewing the contents of the report” but reaffirmed their “full support” for Doc Rivers and the current basketball operations team.

What’s Next for Milwaukee?

As the NBA community digests the revelations, speculation is growing about potential fallout. Could this damage the Bucks’ standing with free agents? Might former players speak out? And how will this affect Doc Rivers’ approach heading into training camp?

One thing is clear—Budenholzer’s report has reopened old wounds in Milwaukee, and Rivers now finds himself not just coaching a title contender, but steering a franchise through an unexpected media firestorm.