Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, continues to face criticism from his former players, highlighting ongoing challenges in his coaching career.
Despite his extensive experience in the NBA, Rivers has struggled to meet postseason expectations, even with talented teams.
The hiring of Rivers by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-24 season was surprising to many, especially after the dismissal of first-time head coach Adrian Griffin.
However, Rivers’ track record in the playoffs, coupled with criticism from former players, raises concerns about his effectiveness as a coach.
Matt Barnes 💀 pic.twitter.com/Dl4ZTFNP35
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 3, 2024
One notable example is former NBA player Matt Barnes, who publicly blamed Rivers for the downfall of the Los Angeles Clippers during his tenure as head coach. Barnes specifically pointed to Rivers signing his son, Austin, as a contributing factor to the team’s issues.
During Rivers’ time coaching the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, the team failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs despite having star players like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Barnes, who played for the Clippers under Rivers for two seasons, suggests that the signing of Austin Rivers created tension within the locker room.
While the exact dynamics of the Clippers’ locker room are unknown, the willingness of former players like Barnes to criticize Rivers is notable. This behavior contrasts with other coach-player relationships in the league.
Rivers faced challenges with the Bucks last season, finishing with a record of 17-19. His job security was further tested by injuries to key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard during the playoffs. Without these circumstances, Rivers might have faced increased scrutiny and pressure to deliver better results.
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