Doc Rivers, set to coach his fifth NBA team with the Milwaukee Bucks, faces a unique challenge as he takes the helm midway through the season for the first time in his career. The seasoned coach expressed the difficulty of this situation, stating, “I’ve never done this. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s going to be a challenge.” Unlike his previous coaching stints with the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, which all began before the season, Rivers lacks the luxury of an offseason to ease into his role. The Bucks, eyeing a championship, acquired star Damian Lillard in the offseason to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rivers recognizes the urgency to integrate this championship-caliber team and emphasizes the need to establish a team identity, stating, “We just have to find our identity. If you’re going to have [the] ‘Fear the Deer’ [slogan], you gotta fear the deer.” Rivers’s inaugural game as the Bucks’ coach is scheduled for Monday night against the Denver Nuggets, marking a pivotal point in his coaching career.
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