Experienced NBA coach Doc Rivers is a seasoned figure in the league, although his coaching stints haven’t always yielded the desired results. Throughout his career, he’s faced significant criticism, particularly for the unfortunate trend of losing several 3-1 series leads. Now, he’s the head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Rivers’ first brush with this adversity came during his tenure with the Orlando Magic in 2003 when the team couldn’t maintain a 3-1 series advantage. The same fate befell him twice more with the Los Angeles Clippers, once in 2015 against the Houston Rockets and again in 2020 versus the Denver Nuggets.
Nevertheless, Rivers boasts a significant achievement in his coaching career, having secured an NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, defeating the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers. However, this accomplishment has often been overshadowed by the playoff series shortcomings with other teams.
Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony has expressed bewilderment at the level of criticism directed towards Rivers. Anthony, who maintains a positive relationship with the championship-winning coach, fails to comprehend why Rivers faces such harsh scrutiny, given his track record.
” Me and Doc have a good relationship, but I’ve never heard anybody say anything good about Doc. When you think about it, let’s go back. Doc been coaching for 20-something years like look at all his players. I’m not saying nobody, I’m just saying the majority, the narrative coming out of those experiences with Doc. Nobody has nothing to say good about it. I don’t know what the issue is, I wasn’t in those locker rooms.”
Rivers has had the privilege of coaching teams laden with exceptional talent. His coaching resume includes guiding players like Tracy McGrady in Orlando, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin in Los Angeles, and Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett in Boston. More recently, he led the Philadelphia 76ers, working with stars like Joel Embiid and James Harden.
Now at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks, Rivers stepped into the role in late January, inheriting a team boasting stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. With the Bucks poised for another playoff campaign, Rivers faces the challenge of steering a high-caliber team to success, aware of the intense scrutiny that accompanies such responsibility.
As Doc Rivers navigates this new chapter, he understands the pressure that comes with mid-season coaching changes. Despite the challenges ahead, the Illinois native remains determined to lead the Bucks to success, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
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