Bucks: Doc Rivers Speaks Out After Joining Milwaukee…
Doc Rivers fulfills a lifelong dream by taking on the role of head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Officially introduced as the new head coach on Saturday, Doc Rivers, accompanied by general manager Jon Horst, shared his sentiments about returning to Milwaukee, where he had played college basketball at Marquette. Expressing his love for the city, Rivers stated that although it took some time, being back in Milwaukee is a personal dream come true.
In his introductory press conference, Rivers remarked, “I love Milwaukee. It’s great to be back. It took me awhile, I will say that. But for me, in short, I’ll let you guys ask questions about the team and stuff, but just personally for me, being back here is a dream.”
Reflecting on the significance of coaching in an arena where his jersey hangs above him, Rivers added, “Personally, for me, being back [in Milwaukee] is a dream. Coaching in an arena and your jersey is hanging above you, I can turn to the players and say, ‘Guys, I swear to God I played basketball, just look up.'”
Rivers assumed the coaching position with the Bucks following the dismissal of first-year coach Adrian Griffin. Despite being rumored as the frontrunner, Rivers was officially hired one day after the team decided to make a midseason coaching change.
With a veteran, star-studded team that held a 30-13 record when Griffin was let go, Rivers and his coaching staff face questions about maximizing the team’s potential. Emphasizing a renewed commitment to transition defense and a more consistent approach on the defensive end, Rivers aims to enhance the on-court partnership between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
During his introduction to Milwaukee, Rivers expressed the emotional significance of returning to the place that played a pivotal role in shaping him as a player, coach, and person. He stated, “It’s hard to express emotionally. From afar, and I’ve told Jon this, this is one of the places I’ve always had circled in my life if I could ever play here… I never had the opportunity to play here, and then when I started coaching… Coming back here to a place that changed me as a literal person is a dream.”
Rivers is set to make his coaching debut with the Bucks on Monday against the defending-champion Denver Nuggets, kicking off a five-game Western Conference road trip.
Former Sixers Linked to Milwaukee Bucks Following Doc Rivers’ Arrival…
Despite holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks have opted for significant changes before the All-Star break. Dissatisfied with the alignment under first-year head coach Adrian Griffin, the Bucks parted ways with him sooner than anticipated. In a surprising move, they officially named former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers as his replacement. However, Rivers may not be the only former Sixer making his way to Wisconsin, according to a report by Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.
The Bucks, eyeing trade deadline acquisitions to bolster their championship prospects, have reportedly set their sights on Matisse Thybulle and PJ Tucker. Both players had previously played under Rivers during the last season with the Sixers. While Thybulle, a homegrown talent drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline last season, Tucker concluded the season with the Sixers, partaking in their playoff run before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers this season as part of the James Harden trade.
Tucker, currently not part of the Clippers’ rotation, has become a trade and buyout candidate. Given his history with Rivers in Philadelphia, the Bucks seem inclined to pursue a reunion if the right opportunity arises in the trade or buyout market. Thybulle, however, poses a more significant challenge. Although playing for a potentially selling Portland Trail Blazers team, Thybulle has not been mentioned as trade bait. Additionally, he has the power to veto a deal if he disagrees with the destination.
Notably, Thybulle experienced reduced playing time during his final stretch with the Sixers under Rivers, averaging only 12 minutes per game in his last 49 outings after initially playing over 20 minutes per game in his first two seasons. This history with Rivers may influence Thybulle’s decision if presented with the opportunity to reunite with him in Milwaukee.”
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