Last month, Doc Rivers bid farewell to his broadcasting role at ESPN to step into the shoes of head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. With a record of 30-13, the Bucks decided to part ways with Adrian Griffin, ushering in Rivers.
However, since Rivers assumed the coaching mantle, the Bucks have stumbled to a 3-7 record, placing them under considerable pressure to reverse their fortunes in the latter half of the season.
Even before the Bucks began their slide, Rivers was already offering explanations for the challenges of taking charge mid-season. His remarks, initially intended to provide context, quickly became a source of amusement online.
JJ Redick calls out his former head coach Doc Rivers, who he will be replacing on ESPN/ABC's NBA Finals coverage.
"I've seen the trend for years. The trend is always making excuses. Doc, we get it. Taking over a team in the middle of a season is hard… it's always an excuse.… pic.twitter.com/NeTGnP1Suw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 20, 2024
As losses mounted, so did Rivers’ justifications. Following a defeat to the injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies, Rivers cited absent players, humorously mentioning some being in Cabo.
Former player turned analyst J.J. Redick voiced his frustrations with Rivers’ tendency to make excuses and seemingly deflect blame onto his players during a recent appearance on ESPN.
Redick, who now fills Rivers’ former spot in ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage, expressed his discontent with the trend, highlighting the absence of such allowances for players facing mid-season trades. He suggested that if Rivers found the Bucks job too challenging, he could have simply declined the offer and remained at ESPN.
Rivers’ habit of deflecting responsibility isn’t new; he notably singled out Ben Simmons following the Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff exit in 2021. While Rivers excels in managing media narratives, it appears that his tactics are losing their effectiveness.
During All-Star Weekend, Rivers raised eyebrows by openly questioning the decision of Bucks ownership to hire him.
Despite the Bucks’ lackluster record under Rivers, there are signs of improvement, particularly in defense, which has risen from 21st to 10th in the league since his arrival. However, the team’s recent struggles are more attributable to Damian Lillard’s extended slump than Rivers’ coaching.
As Redick’s critique gained traction, it sparked a confrontation with Bucks guard Patrick Beverley, who defended Rivers’ contributions to Redick’s career. However, the ongoing discourse surrounding the Bucks and Rivers pales in comparison to the team’s championship aspirations.
Ultimately, Rivers must focus on revitalizing Lillard’s form, maintaining a strong defensive performance, and refining the chemistry between Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Bucks remain contenders for the championship, excuses will not be tolerated along the path to success.
