Veteran coach Doc Rivers is having a difficult three weeks since he became the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are a 3-7 since Rivers’ took over the reigns. With the team undergoing growing pains from the transition, the focus falls on Rivers’ ability to turn things around. But instead, recent revelations from the legendary head coach have left NBA fans fuming.
The Bucks lost their last game before the All-Star break against an injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies. Doc Rivers came out in the post-game press conference deflecting the reasons for their bad run onto the Bucks players. This led Rivers’ former player and ESPN analyst, JJ Redick, to call out the head coach for not taking accountability. Then, further revelations emerged that Rivers questioned the Bucks ownership’s decision-making skills regarding why they would fire former head coach Adrian Griffin.
ESPN revealed that Doc Rivers tried to talk Kawhi Leonard into holding on to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instead of trying to get Paul George. Rivers’ felt that Gilgeous-Alexander had tremendous potential and he would be a better bet than trading for George. Rivers left the Los Angeles Clippers after coaching Kawhi Leonard and George for one season.
Doc Rivers revealed he attempted to influence Kawhi Leonard’s perspective on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential
“I even brought it up to Kawhi: ‘Are you sure? I think Shai’s going to be an amazing player. It may take a year or two, but I think you’re underestimating how good… pic.twitter.com/duPLYPv5Pv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 21, 2024
Doc Rivers’ has yet to make an impact for the Bucks, who have slid to 3rd in the Eastern Conference. They are just a few games away from further sliding down the table, which makes it more complicated. The loss to the Grizzlies was ugly. Rivers must turn things around or face another blemish on his coaching legacy.
NBA fans are livid with how Doc Rivers is handling his business
When the news of Doc Rivers’s hiring came about, many basketball fans wondered how he could improve the Bucks. Ten games later, their curiosity has turned into anger. With Rivers’ statements showing himself as the best man in the world, fans are going into a frenzy.
Doc Rivers throwing everyone else under the bus has NBA fans going into a frenzy (image via Milwaukee Bucks/X)When one after the other, revelations came about how Doc Rivers prefers to make others sound bad, NBA fans went onto social media to vent their frustrations. Check out some of their comments below:
In the last 72 hours, Doc Rivers has threw the Bucks roster, Bucks ownership and Kawhi Leonard under the bus.
We never seen something like this. https://t.co/1H0WchmZbB
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 21, 2024
Doc Rivers is on a generational quote run right now
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) February 21, 2024
Doc Rivers taking credit and then throwing his players under the bus part 38
— 👑𝟸𝟹 (@LakersFanatiic) February 21, 2024
When your ‘08 run is starting to finally come to an end and need that next line of credit.
— A. Gabel (@aj_g23) February 21, 2024
Doc stay trying to deflect. Lol. It’s all time level now. Nothing is his fault but he is willing to tell you whose fault it is. Now Kawhi is responsible for scouting and development.
— Will Cook (@WC1221) February 21, 2024
This the same dock that had him benched for Avery Bradley bro we not hearing it🫤
— kreal🗿 (@kentooreal00) February 21, 2024
Very cool thing to say like a day after getting called out for throwing players under the bus instead of taking accountability for stuff
— jonathan sessa (@jonathan_sessa) February 22, 2024
Doc Rivers has to turn the team around. And for that, he needs to take accountability and steer the Bucks to an NBA Championship. Until then, this noise surrounding Rivers will not die down. Especially if he keeps deflecting the blame.
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