Doc Rivers Reflects on Early Challenges as Head Coach of 76ers’ Rival
Following a significant offseason shakeup, the Philadelphia 76ers parted ways with Doc Rivers, their head coach of three seasons, to bring in Nick Nurse. Rivers, who initially transitioned to a broadcasting role with ESPN, found himself back in coaching recently when the Milwaukee Bucks dismissed head coach Adrian Griffin and appointed Rivers to take over. The Bucks, having acquired Damian Lillard in the offseason, aimed to compete for a championship, and Rivers was tasked with managing this mid-season coaching change.
In his initial weeks with Milwaukee, Rivers faced a 3-7 record, dropping the Bucks from second to third place in the Eastern Conference. Rivers, coaching the Eastern Conference team in the All-Star Game, acknowledged the challenge of taking the position amid a tough road trip, expressing a desire to wait until the All-Star break.
Rivers also discussed the difficulties of implementing new defensive strategies and systems during a demanding stretch of the season. Despite these challenges, the organization insisted on the changes, prompting adjustments mid-season.
Among the teams in the standings that Rivers and the Bucks must contend with is the 76ers, currently two games behind them in fifth place with a 32-22 record. Rivers is set to face his former team shortly after the All-Star break, with the Bucks scheduled to play against the Sixers on February 25th.
In a separate story, rapper GloRilla publicly expressed her admiration for Damian Lillard after meeting him during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. The artist, known for her affiliation with CMG/Interscope Records, posted a photo with Lillard on social media, declaring her interest and playfully suggesting she is willing to fight for his affections.
Lillard, who filed for divorce in 2023 from his estranged wife Kay’La Hanson, has reportedly not lived with her since 2022. The divorce cited “irreconcilable differences.” The couple, college sweethearts married in 2021, shares three children, and Hanson requested sole custody.
Lillard’s divorce occurred just days after being traded to the Bucks from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks, despite a strong record, replaced their head coach mid-season, hiring Doc Rivers to lead the team.
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