Ex-Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said he texted Giannis Antetokounmpo to apologize for his comments about the Miami Heat forward on a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast."
Rivers, who coached Antetokounmpo for parts of three seasons, questioned the two-time MVP's basketball IQ as well as his style of play.
The Hall of Famer said he regretted his choice of words. He also said Antetokounmpo responded positively to Rivers' apology.
"I was saying he was one of the most interesting guys," Rivers told ESPN's Marc J. Spears on Monday. "He makes unbelievable passes, but at then at times because of his force he plays at, it gets in the way of his feel.
"It was more of a compliment. I hate this and feel bad about it. I apologize for the distraction. I'm not trying to be one."
Rivers also clarified what he meant by describing Antetokounmpo as "not easy" to coach.
"The point (I) was trying to make is whenever you have a great player, you have to fit the team around that great player," Rivers said. "That is the point I was trying to make. It's not always easy. It's a compliment.
"I've been successful and unsuccessful at it. But your job is to create the best team you can possibly create around that great player and his talents."
Antetokounmpo responded to Rivers' comments following Sunday's victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The 10-time All-Star said he was "speechless" to hear such criticism from Rivers but vowed not to let his former coach's "bitterness or pettiness" get in his way.
