SUMMARY
- The Bucks recently replaced Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers.
- Rivers has only managed to achieve a 1-4 record since getting hired by the Bucks.
It hasn’t been long since the Milwaukee Bucks welcomed Doc Rivers as their newest head coach. The veteran coach was last employed by the Philadelphia 76ers and after a turbulent stint with the franchise, he was fired in 2023. Soon after Rivers was fired, the was hired as a commentator by Turner Sports Media for a while. He eventually left his broadcasting journey to return as a head coach in the league. The Bucks offered him a multi-year contract after firing Adrian Griffin from the position.
BREAKING: The Milwaukee Bucks have fired Doc Rivers, per @SharmsCharania pic.twitter.com/l9VipuEFrr
— NBAĆentel (@TheNBACentel) February 9, 2024
Since Rivers assumed his role as head coach, the Bucks have not been performing well. According to NBACentel, an account on X, the Bucks allegedly fired Rivers after coaching them for five games. However, this account is known for posting false news and trolling prominent sports figures based on what’s being spoken about. Rivers is still leading the Bucks roster and it could take a while before they find a rhythm.
The Bucks have gone 1-4 under Doc Rivers
Milwaukee’s stint with Griffin was fairly brief but wasn’t all that perfect in the eyes of the front office. He was hired during the 2023 NBA offseason and this was his first job as a head coach. Griffin led the Bucks to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. While the team excelled offensively during several matchups, they lacked the elite defense they are usually known for. Griffin once called for an airing out session following the Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers during the In-Season Tournament run.
Win percentage this season:
.698 — Adrian Griffin
.200 — Doc RiversThe Pistons and Wizards are the only teams with a lower win% than Doc. The Celtics are the only team with a higher win% than Adrian. pic.twitter.com/R4oLq6jq2E
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 7, 2024
While Griffin tried to address issues to his star players including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, his words never came to fruition during practice sessions. After observing Griffin’s work for a couple of weeks, the Bucks felt that he wasn’t a great fit for the position he was offered.
The Bucks ranked amongst the top five defensive teams in the league over the last few seasons. However, under his tenure, the team slipped further down ranking 20th in the league. Doc Rivers was hired to fill the gaps, however, the Bucks have achieved a 1-4 record.
Doc Rivers lands an All-Star Coach gig days after being hired by the Bucks
Despite his brief hiatus from the coaching scene in the NBA, Doc Rivers was selected to lead the Eastern Conference All-Star team. This was a major surprise to fans and experts around the league. Many people believe Rivers is aware that he isn’t worthy of coaching the All-Star team, but here we are.
After assuming his role as the Bucks’ head coach, Rivers claimed that he would never wish for any other coach to be in his position. Right now, Rivers carries a lot of pressure on his shoulders. This is due to the Bucks’ expectations of winning a title this season. He also has to carry the weight of maintaining the record Griffin managed to achieve during his stint. The biggest concern is that Rivers, though he has championship experience, has never been successful in the playoffs in the recent past.