Doc Rivers Takes Helm as NBA All-Star Game Head Coach Following Bucks’ Win…
Doc Rivers secured the role of head coach for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game by leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a crucial victory against the Dallas Mavericks, resulting in a season record of 33-16.
This win, achieved just two weeks after Rivers took over as head coach following the firing of Adrian Griffin, ensured the Bucks had the best-eligible record in the Eastern Conference before the midseason break.
Rivers expressed humor at the unconventional path to coaching the All-Star Game, highlighting the quirkiness of the situation and suggesting a rule change.
Despite the Boston Celtics technically having a better record at 37-12, their head coach, Joe Mazzulla, couldn’t lead the All-Star team for consecutive seasons. The game, scheduled to be held in Indianapolis and returning to the East vs. West format, still awaits the determination of the head coach for the Western Conference.
Rivers, a two-time All-Star coach during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, won the 2008 NBA Finals and previously coached Team Durant in the 2021 All-Star Game. This marks his fourth appearance as an All-Star Game coach, putting him in the company of seven others for the fourth-most appearances in NBA history.
This situation isn’t unprecedented, as a similar scenario occurred in 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers fired head coach David Blatt mid-season, and Tyronn Lue took over, coaching the All-Star Game and eventually leading the team to victory in the Finals.
Tyrese Maxey Reunites with Former Coach Doc Rivers in NBA All-Star Game Amidst Coaching Resurgence…
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers is set to join Doc Rivers, his former head coach, in the upcoming All-Star Game. Doc Rivers, recently hired by the Milwaukee Bucks, secured his first win with the team after parting ways with the Sixers in 2023.
Despite having two years left on his contract, the Sixers decided to make a coaching change following their third consecutive second-round playoff loss.
Rivers was considered for coaching positions in Phoenix and Milwaukee, ultimately landing with the Bucks after their initial hire did not meet expectations.
Currently leading the Bucks to second place in the Eastern Conference with a 33-16 record, Rivers and his coaching staff earned the opportunity to lead the Eastern Conference All-Stars.
The All-Star game may serve as a reunion for Rivers and two representatives from the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid.
Unfortunately, Embiid might miss the matchup due to a knee injury. On the other hand, Maxey is expected to participate in his first All-Star game as a reserve alongside other notable players.
Maxey, who played under Rivers from 2020 to 2023, saw his role evolve during his time with the Sixers. Starting in 115 of 135 games over the last two years, he showcased significant improvement in his performance.
In his final season under Rivers, Maxey averaged 20 points, three rebounds, and four assists, with impressive shooting percentages. This All-Star game provides another opportunity for Maxey to play for his former head coach on Sunday, February 18.
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