Doc Rivers efficiently transitioned from an NBA participant to a head coach.
The Milwaukee Bucks are in quest of one other shot on the NBA Championship in the course of the prime of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Sadly, since 2021, the Bucks have persistently failed to attain that dream. Because of this, the staff has made a number of head teaching modifications.
After shifting on from Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin, Doc Rivers landed the job in the course of the 2023-24 season. Talking of Rivers, let’s check out his NBA journey.
Most followers know Rivers as a head coach, however earlier than that transition, he loved a 13-year stint within the NBA as a participant.
Being the thirty first total decide within the 1983 NBA Draft, Rivers’ profession averages of 10.9 factors, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per recreation are respectable. He additionally shot an appropriate 44.4% from the sector and 32.8% from deep.
Over his profession, Rivers performed for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Clippers. But it surely’s apparent he spent his prime with the Hawks.
In spite of everything, Rivers additionally earned the only real NBA All-Star choice of his profession as a member of the Hawks. Sadly, Rivers by no means managed to win an NBA Championship as he retired ringless in 1996.
However then got here Rivers’ new chapter, one the place he joined the Orlando Magic as head coach in 1999. He spent 4 and a half seasons with the Magic.
Throughout his tenure, the Magic went 171-168, barely a profitable charge of over 50%. The Magic additionally made it to the postseason thrice.
Following his exit from Orlando, Rivers assumed the identical function with the Boston Celtics from the 2004-05 NBA season. Doc loved a career-high 9 seasons with the franchise.
He additionally led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA Championship whereas managing the likes of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen on the staff. Whereas he didn’t win NBA Coach of the 12 months like his stint with the Magic, Rivers’ finest years had been seen in Boston.
However the C’s moved on from Rivers when he joined the Clippers in 2013. Followers witnessed the Clippers’ ‘Lob Metropolis’ period underneath coach Rivers.
The franchise went 356-208 over seven seasons underneath Rivers, however the constant lack of postseason success led to his departure in 2020.
Following that, a disappointing three-year stint was ready for Rivers with the Philadelphia 76ers. As soon as once more, it was apparent that Rivers was a foul slot in Philly, regardless of a 65.3% profitable proportion.
Now, one of many 15 biggest NBA coaches of all time is a member of the Bucks. To date, the Bucks have had two consecutive exits underneath coach Rivers. Can he flip issues round within the 2025-26 season? Solely time will inform.
