Doc Rivers dismissed as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks after a single season

Doc Rivers Steps Down as Bucks Head Coach

Doc Rivers has announced his resignation from the head coaching position of the Milwaukee Bucks, according to reports from ESPN on Sunday.

Rivers had taken over the coaching role after leaving a broadcasting career, stepping in 43 games into the 2023-24 season following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin. His tenure with the Bucks has ended after a disappointing 32-50 record, culminating in a 126-106 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers, which kept the team out of the NBA playoffs.

Rivers has led the team to first-round exits in the playoffs over the last two seasons. With his departure, the Bucks will need to search for a head coach for the third time in as many years. This change comes amid some uncertainty over the future of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The NBA trade deadline in February passed without a move involving Antetokounmpo, who has had a challenging season marked by injuries. He only played in 36 games, the lowest number in his career, due to issues like knee hyperextension and a bone bruise. Speculation arose about the Bucks’ treatment of him, prompting an investigation into how his injury was handled.

The player expressed frustration publicly during a game against the Boston Celtics on April 3, insisting he was fit to play despite missing several games. “I’ve never seen a player of my caliber say that in public. I want to play. You know what I’m saying?” he remarked, indicating a desire for clearer communication regarding his situation.

In the wake of this, Rivers commented on the controversy after a tough loss, indicating he felt caught in the middle and that decisions regarding player health were beyond his control. “I think there are two sides to this — I’ll say it that way,” he noted, without wanting to delve too deeply into the matter.

During the season, Antetokounmpo maintained impressive averages of 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds, contributing to a championship win for the Bucks in 2021, for which he garnered NBA Finals MVP honors.

Rivers has a storied history in coaching, including leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008. After a playing career that began when he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1983, he transitioned to broadcasting for ESPN before returning to coaching.