Following impactful but underwhelming stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers finds himself tasked with guiding another title hopeful. Fans of the Milwaukee Bucks had high hopes of winning their 2nd title in four seasons. However, a disappointing first half of the season has dampened those lofty preseason ambitions.
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Doc Rivers is tasked with resurrecting a floundering Bucks’ side, but his reign hasn’t gone according to plan so far. Rivers has lost seven of his first 10 games as Milwaukee’s head coach. Several fans have already begun to criticize Rivers for his coaching style and lack of in-game adjustments. However, Austin Rivers, Doc Rivers’ son and ESPN analyst, has pointed out a flaw in his coaching style which may be the root cause behind his poor start in Milwaukee.
Doc Rivers troubles with managing star players’ egos
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During an interview with ESPN, Austin said, “He’s not a guy that’s not going to call guys out and hold guys accountable. Those type of things can be hard for players to deal with. And obviously managing relationships off the court with your players, he’s got to do a better job with that. He knows that.” Doc has a history of falling out with his star players due to his confrontational style of coaching. One notable instance was when he publicly criticized Ben Simmons for passing up a clear scoring opportunity in a pivotal game against the Hawks in the 2021 playoffs.
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Doc has also faced challenges in managing relationships with stars like Paul George in LA and James Harden in Philly. During an interview, Doc acknowledged that he has had trouble managing egos of stars, but he also stated that he isn’t going to mend his ways. He said, “Where I’ve gotten myself in trouble at times, especially with star players, just because he’s a star, if that’s the way you have to win, I still believe you still have to [challenge] him. And if you don’t, if you’re not effective doing that, you’re not going to win anyway.”
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In Milwaukee, Doc would have to manage two of the NBA’s biggest stars. However, both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard do not have a history of falling out with their coaches. Having said that, the head coaching position in Milwaukee is one of the most demanding, and anything less than an NBA title would be considered a failure.
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