Doc Rivers to the Milwaukee Bucks: This Won't End Well...
In a move that has sent ripples through the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks have announced Doc Rivers as their new head coach. This decision comes days after the team parted ways with Adrian Griffin following a run of underwhelming performances. Griffin's tenure, lasting just over 40 games, was marked by inconsistency and failed to live up to the high expectations set by the franchise. His abrupt release underscores the Bucks' urgent quest to please their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and find a formula that can secure them more consistent success, particularly in the playoffs.
The choice of Doc Rivers as Griffin's successor, however, has been met with a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism. Rivers, a seasoned coach with a storied career, brings a wealth of experience to Milwaukee. His most notable achievement came in 2008 when he led the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship. However, the years following that triumph have been a mixed bag, leading some (especially myself) to question whether he is the right fit for a Bucks team with serious playoff aspirations.
Criticism of Rivers often centers on his playoff record post-2008. His teams have notoriously squandered significant advantages: blowing five 3-2 leads, a 2-0 lead, and losing four Game 7s at home. These statistics paint a picture of a coach who struggles to close out series and make the necessary adjustments in high-pressure situations. This track record is particularly concerning for the Bucks, a team that has consistently aimed to be a serious playoff contender.
It’s apparent to me that Rivers has been riding the coattails of his 2008 championship success for the last decade. Apart from that achievement, his coaching performance has been average, at best, in the subsequent years. His overall record with teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers has been solid but not exceptional, often characterized by strong regular-season performances that don’t translate into deep playoff runs. Take away his well-known name and likable personality, this is not the kind of coaching history that you want to bring to a team that is on a Championship or Bust season.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the hiring of Rivers is a gamble. They are banking on his veteran leadership and previous success to bring a new dynamic to the team. Rivers does bring certain strengths to the table, such as his ability to manage big personalities and his experience in high-pressure games. However, the concerns about his recent playoff history cannot be ignored. For a team that is not just looking to make the playoffs but to contend for a championship, Rivers will need to demonstrate that he can adapt and overcome the shortcomings that have plagued his postseason resume in recent years.
The appointment of Doc Rivers as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks marks a significant shift for the franchise. While Rivers' championship pedigree and experience are undeniable, his last decade-plus of recent playoff history leaves room for skepticism. The Bucks are hoping for a turnaround under his guidance, but whether Rivers can shake off his past playoff disappointments and lead the team to glory remains to be seen. This move is not just a new chapter for Rivers and the Bucks, but also a litmus test for whether past success can be a reliable indicator of future achievements in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.
Giannis has a stranglehold on this team. He fought for the team to trade away defensive-ace Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard. He helped get rid of coach Mike Budenholzer, steered the team away from hiring Nick Nurse to hire his assistant, Adrian Griffin, then butted heads with Griffin and lead the campaign that ultimately lead to his firing halfway through the season. You know the Bucks wouldn’t have hired Rivers without Giannis’ blessing - especially with the reported “lucrative contract” that the Bucks were forced to pay him. The Bucks have traded away their future draft picks and remaining cap space just to please Giannis as they chase another title. Maybe Doc can show him how GM Giannis is about as good as GM Doc was, and their best chance at winning this year is leaving the front office alone to do their job and focusing more on his jump shot and free throws.
