The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling to find their rhythm in the early part of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season, and after a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they now sit at a 1-6 record. However, head coach Doc Rivers remains confident, making a strong playoff prediction despite the challenging start.



So far, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Bucks</a> have only managed to secure a victory in their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, with each subsequent game ending in defeat. Adding to their challenges, Milwaukee is now facing a stretch without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.



“We will make the playoffs, I’m not worried about that,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Rivers</a> told reporters following the Bucks’ loss to the Cavaliers. Despite the tough record, Rivers emphasizes that the team’s mindset remains positive. “The team’s very positive. I think they’re upbeat,” Rivers said. “No one wants to lose.”



“We have some tough games coming up, but one win at a time,” he continued. “We win three or four in a row and then the numbers say if you’re 5-6 after that, you have an 80 percent chance to make the playoffs, you know? So that’s where numbers are so silly sometimes, especially early in the year. And we don’t pay much attention to them.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241105_BUS_266537_lillard-1024x576_37b9ec0c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-266552" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks grabs the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum. Wes Hale/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Damian Lillard weighs in on the Bucks’ struggles</h2>



Despite a 36-point effort from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>, the Bucks are still looking for their next win. But the former Blazers star remains calm. “Just because it’s a 1-6 start, it’s ugly,” Lillard said. “But when you look at the big picture it’s such a long season. It’s 75 games left. I’ve been part of teams that have won 16 straight, 14 straight. Sometimes you just get in a ditch. Sometimes it can happen in the middle of the season, it can happen toward the end of the season.”


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“I think because it’s happening at the beginning and we’ve got one win and six losses it just looks different,” he continued. “But I think because of who we have on our team – Giannis, Khris (Middleton), myself, Bobby (Portis), Brook (Lopez) – we’ve got an experienced, talented team. We can get a lot of things done.”



<h2>A tough stat for the Bucks to overcome</h2>



While Rivers isn’t worried about the playoffs, citing confidence in their eventual success, NBA reporter Mike Vorkunov pointed out a sobering stat that underscores the challenge ahead.



“Since 1970, 150 NBA teams have started 1-6 or worse,” wrote Vorkunov on X, formerly Twitter. “Just 12 of those teams made the playoffs that season, and five of those did that with a losing record. None won more than 47 games. Bucks have a steep hill to climb.”

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miniaturas

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered another defeat, falling to a 1-3 record in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> regular season. While this latest loss came against the defending champion Boston Celtics, head coach Doc Rivers was clear about what this game revealed for his team.



This was the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Bucks</a>’ third consecutive loss, but Rivers emphasized that there were clear improvements compared to the team’s previous games against the Nets and Bulls.



“We played two horrible games, and there’s no excuse for that,” Bucks coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Doc Rivers</a> said following Monday’s game. “But it happens. I thought we played relatively well (against the Celtics), but we couldn’t sustain it tonight. But I think our guys like where we’re going.”



The Bucks managed to take a brief 75-72 lead over Boston in the third quarter, but a fourth-quarter 23-7 Celtics run ultimately sealed the game. “I don’t like moral victories, but I just thought that’s what we can be—at least for three quarters,” Rivers added. “I thought we kind of ran out of gas a little bit. Didn’t get a lot of help tonight from our bench, so we extended minutes.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241029_BUS_262255_GettyImages-2181641601-1024x683_966db512.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683" alt="" class="wp-image-262257" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2181641601-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2181641601-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2181641601-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2181641601-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2181641601-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the TD Garden. Brian Fluharty/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Rivers credits Pritchard’s performance in Celtics’ win</h2>



After the game, Rivers praised Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, who dropped 28 points, five rebounds, and three assists, going 8-for-12 from beyond the arc.


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“[Pritchard is] just tough,” Rivers said, via Celtics reporter Justin Turpin. “He’s that little pest that gets under everybody’s skin and he keeps coming. [He’s] gritty, smart, but [also] talented. He shoots the hell out of the ball and has a knack for stripping guys on rebounds. He’s perfect for that team.”



<h2>Antetokounmpo remains confident in the Bucks</h2>



Bucks star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> expressed confidence that the team would turn things around despite the early setbacks. “At the end of the day, we have a great team. I believe we will keep on playing better, learning from our mistakes. Eventually, we are going to start winning games.”



Antetokounmpo also downplayed the team’s record so far. “I don’t think we are far off. I do not care about the record. I care about keeping on building, people being healthy, and getting where we want to get.”

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NBA News: Doc Rivers makes something clear about Bucks’ loss against the Celtics - Bolavip US

With the start of the NBA regular season just days away, Khris Middleton continues his recovery from offseason ankle surgeries. Recently, Milwaukee Bucks head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Doc Rivers</a> shared a key update on the health of the three-time All-Star, leaving fans eager for clarity on his status.



Initially, it seemed unlikely that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/khris-middleton">Middleton</a> would be ready for the Bucks’ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Rivers left the door open for the possibility, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.



“Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters that Khris Middleton did not do anything more than the skill development work he has been doing at today’s practice,” Nehm reported. “Rivers added there is still a chance Middleton plays in the season opener on Wednesday, but he needs to play 5-on-5 first.”



Middleton played a pivotal role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in helping the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Bucks</a> secure the 2020-21 NBA title. However, over the past two years, he has been plagued by significant injuries, which have limited his availability in both the regular season and playoffs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241020_BUS_255864_GettyImages-2150020076-1024x683_a6163108.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683" alt="" class="wp-image-255885" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2150020076-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2150020076-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2150020076-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2150020076-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2150020076-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers during game two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs. Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Antetokounmpo makes surprising trade admission</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> recently made headlines with a surprising confession about his future in Milwaukee if the Bucks fail to meet expectations this season. After back-to-back early playoff exits, the pressure to return to championship form is higher than ever.


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In a candid interview with Sam Amick of The Athletic, Antetokounmpo reflected on the possibility of a trade if things don’t go as planned this season. “Do you have it in the back of your mind, like, ‘(What) if this year doesn’t go well?’ Yeah, if we don’t win a championship, I might get traded. Yeah, this is the job we live. This is the world we’re living in. It’s everybody,” Giannis said.



He added, “It’s the profession that we’re in. At any given moment, if you don’t succeed, that might be it for us. It was the same way with the previous coaching staff, and the year before, the players before. … If you don’t do a good enough job, you’re out.”

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NBA News: Bucks coach Doc Rivers delivers important Khris Middleton’s injury update - Bolavip US

Since taking over as head coach of the Orlando Magic in 1999, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Doc Rivers</a> has built a historic coaching career. Now entering his 25th season on the bench, Rivers is preparing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> for the 2024-25 NBA campaign. Despite his vast experience, some fans still question his ability to guide the Bucks to championship contention. Rivers, however, took the time to address these criticisms head-on.


 

 


Twenty-five years coaching in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> is no small feat. Rivers has coached 1,896 regular-season games across stints with the Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Bucks, amassing 1,114 wins. This places him 8th all-time in NBA coaching wins and 4th in playoff victories, with 113 postseason wins to his name.



Yet, postseason shortcomings are often highlighted when critiquing Rivers’ record. His 113-108 playoff record and the fact that three of his teams have blown 3-1 series leads are frequently mentioned. However, the criticism that seems to bother him the most is the perception that his career has “come up short“ due to only winning one NBA championship.



“But I’ve never come up short, in my opinion. Come up short? What does that mean? Like, we didn’t win a title? I go back in Philly. I took that job after we lost in the first round 4-0 (to the Celtics in 2020 under Brett Brown). The next year, we win the East in the regular season. All right. We are one game away from the Eastern finals,” Rivers said in an interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241019_BUS_255744_Doc-Rivers-Celtics-1024x576_b1cae2da.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his team at the end of Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 131-92 to win the NBA Championship." class="wp-image-255815" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Celtics.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his team at the end of Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 131-92 to win the NBA Championship.</figcaption></figure>



Rivers explained that, after many years in the NBA, anything short of a title draws criticism: “So there’s times where I’m like we’re being evaluated on a different standard. And the great news is I’ve created that standard. So for me, that’s good. But then when the narrative comes that you can’t do it, that’s bulls—. Because I’ve done it and I can do it. It’s just hard to do it. It’s just hard. So I’ve always looked at it that way.“


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<h2>Rivers on playoff struggles</h2>



Outside of his 2008 championship with the Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers, Rivers has only reached the NBA Finals once more, in 2010, where Boston fell to the Lakers in seven games. While some might see that as underachievement after 25 seasons, Rivers views his career through a different lens.



“My numbers don’t lie. I’ve coached for 25 years and I’ve had two losing seasons. And the two losing seasons, we were trying to lose, yeah. So I’ve made the playoffs — whatever, I don’t even know — 21 out of 25 years. It’s almost like Deion Sanders said in that interview. There’s nothing you can say or do that’s going to take away from what I’ve done, and I’ll never allow that,” he stated in The Athletic.



Despite reflecting on his past achievements, Rivers is focused on the future and hungry for more success: “Having said that, I want to do more. And to do more, you have to put yourself in situations where you’re going to be criticized if you don’t do it. And I’m fine with that.”



<h2>Bucks’ preparation for the 2024-25 season</h2>



Rivers stepped in to replace Mike Budenholzer as head coach midway through last season, coaching just 36 games before the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. Heading into this season, Rivers is determined to take the team further.



“I watched all 82 games literally right after the season. I think I started a day after the (final) Indiana game and I watched all 82 games and probably went back and watched over 30 of those games again,” Rivers said. “Took notes — things they did well, things they didn’t do well. And there were things, it was visual, but that’s what I’m looking for: the common themes,” he added.



Since their 2020 championship, the Bucks have undergone significant changes. Injuries to key players at critical moments have hurt the team, and this offseason saw Jrue Holiday traded for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-damian-lillard-makes-something-clear-about-bucks-ahead-of-the-new-season">Damian Lillard, who’s optimistic for the Bucks’ chances this season</a>. Despite losing three of their four preseason games, Rivers is putting in the work to ensure the Bucks remain competitive.

NBA News: Bucks Coach Doc Rivers responds to career critics ahead of the 2024-25 season

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NBA News: Bucks Coach Doc Rivers responds to career critics ahead of the 2024-25 season - Bolavip US

One of the most anticipated moments of the 2024-25 NBA season will be when LeBron James and his son, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bronny-james">Bronny James</a>, step on the court together, becoming the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA. However, Bronny’s draft selection has sparked criticism, and now former NBA player Chandler Parsons has drawn a comparison between the Lakers’ situation and Austin Rivers playing under his father, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Doc Rivers</a>, with the Los Angeles Clippers.


 

 


On the show Run It Back, shared his thoughts, dampening some of the excitement surrounding <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron</a> and Bronny: “I think it’s more strange, like back in the day, when Austin Rivers played for his dad.



“A player is always gonna feel some way about the coach. ‘Uh, he snubbed me. You subbed me out too early.’ he added. “Three minutes to go, and he looks down the bench and picks Austin to go in instead of me. I’m gonna feel a little slighted by that. I can’t help but think that’s favoritism,” Parsons said.



He also made a bold prediction about the media attention the father-son duo will attract: “You have to block that dynamic out, try to be a professional. After <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Lakers</a> win or lose the opening night, they’re going to be talking about that. There’s going to be a new story,” he ended.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241015_BUS_252693_Doc-Austin-Rivers-1024x576_e69a025b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks to Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lakers won 111-102." class="wp-image-252713" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Austin-Rivers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Austin-Rivers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Austin-Rivers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Austin-Rivers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Austin-Rivers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers talks to Austin Rivers #25 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lakers won 111-102.</figcaption></figure>



The Austin-Doc Rivers pairing was the first father-son coach-player combo in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history, and Austin faced constant scrutiny, frequently being labeled a “nepo baby” due to accusations of nepotism. Bronny hasn’t yet made his NBA debut, but similar criticisms have already surfaced. It will be up to him to prove doubters wrong—or risk confirming those claims.


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<h2>Austin Rivers about Bronny’s draft</h2>



Austin Rivers, whose career has been plagued by accusations of nepotism, offered his thoughts on Bronny’s situation, drawing on his own experiences. “(Bronny) getting drafted and playing with his dad, I don’t want that negativity coming his way because he doesn’t deserve it,” he said to ESPN.



“When I went to the Clippers people were like ‘you’re only in the league because of your dad’, after me being the number one player in the United States two years prior,” he added. “This is a whole different level, because Doc’s great, LeBron James is the most popular basketball player to ever play other than maybe Michael Jordan,” Rivers stated.



<h2>When will LeBron and Bronny play together?</h2>



While it remains to be seen whether Bronny will be a regular part of the Lakers’ rotation or spend time with the G-League team, history could be made early in the upcoming season.



According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, there are expectations that LeBron and Bronny could debut together as soon as opening night, October 22nd, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

NBA News: Parsons compares Bronny and LeBron with Clippers' Austin Rivers playing for Doc

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NBA News: Parsons compares Bronny and LeBron with Clippers' Austin Rivers playing for Doc - Bolavip US

Before stepping into his current role as head coach of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jj-redick">JJ Redick</a> worked as an NBA analyst for ESPN. During his time on First Take, Redick made headlines by criticizing Doc Rivers’ management of the Milwaukee Bucks after he took over midseason. In the press conference before the Thursday game between the Lakers and the Bucks, Redick addressed the situation with Rivers.


 

 


Redick had previously criticized <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Rivers</a>, who replaced Adrian Griffin as Bucks head coach during the season. Although Redick did not issue a formal apology, he admitted to the media on Thursday that he could have handled the situation better.



“After that ‘First Take’ appearance, there were a number of conversations that I had with people — both at ESPN and within the league — that provided a good amount of perspective whether I had stayed in the media or whether I had pursued a coaching job. I will say this again, (I) regret my tone in that case. I’ve owned that and I regret my tone,” Redick stated.



Redick emphasized that the disagreement with Rivers did not escalate to the point of animosity. “I don’t carry beef with people, and I’m not going to get into the history of Doc and I’s relationship right now. And I probably won’t ever. He’s fine in my book,” the Lakers’ coach added before the game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241013_BUS_251551_Doc-Rivers-Lakers-1024x576_0a4b595e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to an officials call during the first half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. " class="wp-image-251633" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Lakers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Lakers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Lakers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Lakers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Doc-Rivers-Lakers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to an officials call during the first half of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. </figcaption></figure>



The tension between Redick and Rivers appears to have spanned several years, but the recent exchange brought their differences back into the spotlight. However, in the Lakers’ 107-102 victory over the Bucks, there was little indication of lingering hostility between the two coaches. As Redick mentioned, the matter seems to be settled—for now.


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<h2>What did JJ Redick say to Doc Rivers?</h2>



In February 2024, Rivers was struggling to find success with the Bucks after taking over from former head coach Adrian Griffin. During an appearance on First Take, Redick strongly criticized Rivers’ handling of the team.



“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… But it’s always an excuse,” JJ said in the programme. “It’s always throwing your team under the bus… There’s never accountability with that guy,” he ended.



<h2>Rivers’ response to Redick</h2>



Despite the harsh critique, Rivers didn’t shy away from responding. During an interview with The Stephen A. Smith Show, the Bucks HC answered to Redick: “JJ has had a problem with me for a while. And that’s fine… In JJ’s case, we didn’t sign him back with the Clippers. I stopped playing him as much because he wasn’t very effective in the playoffs.”



Rivers also reminded the public that he was instrumental in Redick’s career development in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>. “JJ Redick’s best numbers of his career was under one coach and you’re looking at him. I’m the one who grabbed him out of Milwaukee and decided to start him. From that point on, his career took off,” Rivers ended.

NBA News: Lakers' JJ Redick made something clear about beef with Doc Rivers before Bucks game

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NBA News: Lakers' JJ Redick made something clear about beef with Doc Rivers before Bucks game - Bolavip US

Thursday’s preseason matchup between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> and the Los Angeles Lakers had more than just on-court action, with an intriguing backstory surrounding the coaching staffs. Doc Rivers took the opportunity to comment on the Lakers’ move to fire Darvin Ham, who was later replaced by JJ Redick.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/darvin-ham">Ham</a>, now Rivers’ top assistant with the Bucks, served as the Lakers’ head coach from 2022 to 2024. Rivers addressed the situation: “I’m not going to get into the whole thing that happened there, but he took a team to a Western Finals, and then the following year, he won the in-season tournament… and the they release him. It literally makes no sense,” Rivers remarked, making it clear he believed Ham deserved better treatment from the Lakers.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/doc-rivers">Rivers</a> continued to praise Ham’s contributions: “First of all, he’s been here even longer than me. He knows things that I didn’t know. He has relationships with the players. Another guy that can trust. Trust is so important for players.” He emphasized, “Darvin Ham’s a coach, he should be on the sidelines, and I wanted him next to me.”



<h2>Ham reflects on his time with the Lakers</h2>



Despite the circumstances, Darvin Ham remains proud of his tenure with the Lakers. Reflecting on his time there, Ham said, “The state of the team when they hired me, up until the day they fired me, I like to think it improved. And that’s all I care about.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241011_BUS_250412_jj-redick-4-1024x576_d0dbc688.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick looks on from the bench during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves" class="wp-image-248261" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/jj-redick-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/jj-redick-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/jj-redick-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/jj-redick-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/jj-redick-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick looks on from the bench during the first half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves</figcaption></figure>



And highlightened the progress made under his leadership: “I poured myself, my heart and soul, into that team trying to improve it from where it was, 33-49. And to get to the Western Conference finals in one year, have guys benefit from it financially.”


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<h2>Rivers and Redick’s history</h2>



Another layer to Thursday’s Bucks-Lakers clash was the past tension between Doc Rivers and JJ Redick. The two have a history, as Redick played under Rivers for four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers.



Redick had criticized Rivers during his time as an ESPN analyst, calling out Rivers for making excuses for poor results, saying, “The trend is always making excuses. Doc, we get it, taking over a team in the middle of a season is hard … But it’s always an excuse. It’s always throwing your team under the bus … There’s never accountability with that guy.”



However, now in his role as the Lakers’ head coach, Redick softened his stance: “I regret my tone in that case. I’ve owned that and I regret my tone.” He further clarified, “I don’t carry beef with people. And I’m not going to get into the history of Doc and I’s relationship right now. And I probably won’t ever. He’s fine in my book.”

NBA News: Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticizes Lakers' decision with Ham, predecessor to JJ Redick

NBA News: Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticizes Lakers' decision with Ham, predecessor to JJ Redick - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> has gone through a lot lately. The former Portland Trail Blazers star has struggled to adapt in Milwaukee. He’s going through a divorce, and his tenure with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Bucks</a> didn’t get off to a good start.



He’s been heavily criticized for his lack of aggressiveness, and his numbers took a dip this season. Nonetheless, the Bucks have been the best team in the league since the All-Star Game, going undefeated over that stretch.



Lillard has also been much better lately. He’s gone back to his usual aggressiveness, and he even led the team to a win over the Los Angeles Clippers without<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Giannis Antetokounmpo.</a>



<h2>Doc Rivers Is Helping Damian Lillard</h2>



Notably, Lillard gave his new coach, Doc Rivers, plenty of credit for this turnaround. He talked about how he’s helped him get to his spots and make the most of his offensive traits again:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240306_BUS_109498_Damian-Lillard-1024x576_bcf54fc5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Bucks" class="wp-image-88098" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“It’s helped a lot. For a significant part of the year, it was just trying to find my way,” Lillard told Gabe Stoltz. “Trying to find my spaces where I would have an opportunity. And I just think because I’ve played against Doc so many times in the West and he had to scout against me– so when he came in, he was just like, ‘You guys don’t run this? You guys don’t run that? Like, this is stuff we hated to guard against you.’ And he just slowly started to put some of those actions in.”



<h2>The Bucks Are Making Adjustments</h2>



On top of their defensive turnaround, the team has looked much better offensively. They’re starting to live up to the expectations that came with having a freakish athlete and one of the best shooters in the league:



“You know, I think it’s helped me settle in even more, especially playing with some of the guys on this team that can shoot the ball and having a guy like Giannis and the dunker behind the defense sometimes is like just stuff that I’ve always run and situations I’ve always been in should be in even harder to deal with now with the players that I’m playing with,” added Lillard.


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The Bucks are peaking at the right time, and that’s obviously a major concern for the rest of the league. Now, they’ll have to keep building off this momentum to be at their best come playoff time.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65e89898c04ef6a96d55ce7a" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

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Damian Lillard reveals how Doc Rivers fixed the Milwaukee Bucks

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Simmons</a>‘ last game with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers </a>will go down in infamy. The team blew a chance to get past the Atlanta Hawks, and Simmons literally refused to score a point-blank, wide-open dunk that wound up shifting all momentum.



Following the loss, Doc Rivers did what he does best whenever his team loses in the playoffs or any big game, which is to blame the players. He stated that he didn’t know whether Simmons could be a starting point guard on a championship-caliber team.



That was the beginning of the end for Simmons in the City of Brotherly Love, eventually forcing his way out to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets </a>after a long saga. Now, years later, Rivers finally admitted that he was wrong to do so.



<h2>Doc Rivers Finally Takes Some Blame For The Ben Simmons Saga</h2>



“I had a terrible press conference after that Game 7,” Rivers told ESPN. “We lost. I said something — I meant something different, but it was taken differently. That started it. Then Joel [Embiid] had a bad press conference.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240226_BUS_107570_Doc-Rivers-1-1024x572_311fc48c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="Doc Rivers" class="wp-image-12268" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Doc Rivers</figcaption></figure>



The coach added that Simmons’ divorce with the organization could’ve happened regardless. Even so, the fact that he contributed to his discontent and departure wasn’t a good look for him:



“I don’t know if the whole Ben thing was going to happen regardless, but I didn’t like me being a part of that,” Rivers admitted. “So your first thing is, how can I handle that better? How can I answer that question better?”


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Recently, former NBA player JJ Redick called Rivers out for constantly throwing his players under the bus and not being accountable for his shortcomings. Needless to say, Simmons may agree with him.


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Doc Rivers gets brutally honest on the Ben Simmons saga

Doc Rivers finally breaks the silence on the Ben Simmons saga

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> made a rather unorthodox decision this season. Despite being No. 2 in the Eastern Conference, they parted ways with first-year coach Adrian Griffin, as things just weren’t working out.



Nonetheless, it hasn’t gotten a lot much better under Doc Rivers. Of course, taking the reins of a team mid-season isn’t easy, even if the said team has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> leading the way.



Even so, Rivers recently seemed to throw his players under the bus, which has been a usual practice during his time as an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>coach. That’s why J.J. Redick, who used to play for him, called him out and urged him to be accountable for a change.



<h2>Draymond Green Sides With J.J. Redick.</h2>



Unsurprisingly, Doc’s son Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley didn’t care for those comments. Draymond Green, however, thinks Redick was right on cue with his criticism and even doubled down on it:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240225_BUS_107113_Draymond-Green-1024x576_e904f572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Draymond Green" class="wp-image-104775" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Draymond-Green-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Draymond-Green-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Draymond-Green-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Draymond-Green-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/Draymond-Green.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Draymond Green</figcaption></figure>



“I agree with JJ, ” said Draymond said. “Every interview, it’s another excuse. You knew what you were getting yourself into because you were actually brought in to fix those very things. I totally understand where JJ was coming from. Pat Bev understood where JJ was coming from, and Austin Rivers understood where JJ was coming from– they never attacked what JJ said; they only attacked his playing career.”



At the end of the day, Doc Rivers is an NBA champion as a coach, so he deserves some respect. Then again, it’s also a fact that he’s blown more playoff series leads than anybody else, and he hasn’t made it to the NBA Finals in almost 15 years now.


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Rivers has a long-withstanding history of calling out his players after every shortcoming, and this might as well be the end of the line for him if he doesn’t get the job done.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65db42fcc04ef6a96d55c503" data-title="Will Doc Rivers win another ring?" data-options="2"></div>

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Draymond Green takes a huge shot at Doc Rivers

Despite their winning record, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks </a>have been through a lot this season. Embarrassing losses, blowouts, and a lack of defensive commitment have set this team back multiple times.



The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Damian Lillard</a> trade hasn’t looked all that well thus far. He hasn’t been at his best scoring-wise, and he’s never been much of a defender. Also, the team as a whole has underperformed against winning teams.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> has also been quite vocal about the team’s struggles to find consistency. During the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA’s </a>All-Star Weekend, he talked about how hard it’s been to play for multiple coaches in such little time.



<h2>Giannis Vents His Frustrations</h2>



“It’s hard. It’s hard,” Giannis admitted. “This is my fourth coach in the span of six months — Different philosophy, different game plan. It’s hard. It’s draining. I’m a student of the game. When somebody asks me to do something, I try to do it to the best of my ability. I try to understand what we’re trying to accomplish, both so I can understand and so I can be there for my teammates when they ask questions.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240219_BUS_105997_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_61c59afb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-73560" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks</figcaption></figure>



Even so, the former Defensive Player of the Year is excited about getting to work with Doc Rivers, stating that he brings a championship pedigree to his team with all his experience: 



“But yeah, I love working with Coach Doc,” Giannis said. “He’s been very, very successful. We can talk all day about things he’s accomplished around the league. He’s won, I think, 1,100 NBA games. Some people have never played 1,100 games. He brings that level of — how can I say — a championship level to the team. He won. He’s coached a lot of successful teams in the past. When you have that guy in your bench, you have to bring your A-game.”


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Rivers hasn’t found much success lately, and he might not be the Xs and Os guy this team needs to get the monkey off their backs. Still, they’re talented enough to turn things around and make a strong push late in the season.




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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> fired Doc Rivers after blowing — another — 3-1 lead in the playoffs. He’s blown the most 3-1 series leads (3) in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> playoff history, something that has happened just 13 times.



Nonetheless, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> still thought he was the right guy to take the reins of the team after Adrian Griffin’s dismissal. Unsurprisingly, Rivers didn’t even need a couple of hours to think about it.



Rivers will get $40 million for the next three and a half years with the team. Unfortunately, he’s not likely to lead them to another NBA championship. At least, according to former All-Star Gilbert Arenas.



<h2>Gilbert Arenas Says Doc Rivers Isn’t A Good Coach</h2>



“He doesn’t adjust well,” Arenas explained. “If you beat him by going left, he won’t adjust to that. So you’re going to beat his ass the same way every single time because he won’t adjust. I knew something was wrong with him when this happened: it was Clippers vs Houston, they were up 3-1. The coach said, ‘We’re gonna hack DeAndre Jordan.’ And he copied it every single time.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240125_BUS_100208_docrivers-1024x576_b6cd987a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-99986" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Doc Rivers, former head coach of the 76ers</figcaption></figure>



The former Washington Wizards star questioned Rivers’ ability to make the most of his players and make adjustments, which is something he has been highly questioned for in the past:



“He doesn’t come in with a new system,” Arenas added. “He’s just gonna say, ‘You keep doing what you all gonna do, and I’m just gonna be out here subbing.‘ The sad part is, name a point guard that he had that he put in a great situation. You did have Ben Simmons, a 6’11” point guard, and you did not do one pick-and-roll with him and Embiid. Good luck.”


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Aside from that run with the Boston Celtics, Rivers has failed to make the most of the plethora of talent he’s had the priviledge to coach. Hopefully, this will be the exception to that rule.


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Head coach news: Former All-Star mocks Bucks for hiring Doc Rivers - Bolavip US

Gilbert Arenas says Doc Rivers will fail at Milwaukee

It’s not usual to see winning <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> teams making in-season coaching changes. But the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> are far from a winning team, and while they managed to stop the bleeding by beating the Los Angeles Clippers, they simply don’t look good right now.



There have been multiple reports about an alleged disconnect between the players and coach Darvin Ham. Ham called out the fans for their lack of patience, even though we’ve almost reached the midpoint of the season.



It’s not unusual to see <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James </a>lose his cool with his coaches and lose his confidence in them. Not many people have managed to stay in charge of James’ teams for more than a couple of years throughout the course of his career.



<h2>NBA Rumors: Potential Lakers Coaching Candidates</h2>



It’s more than evident that some people within the locker room are frustrated with Darvin Ham, and let’s not even get started with the fans. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at three potential candidates who could take the reins of the team if he’s fired at some point in the season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240109_BUS_96798_Darvin-Ham-1-1024x572_82736917.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-47061" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/Darvin-Ham-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/Darvin-Ham-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/Darvin-Ham-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/08/Darvin-Ham-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Darvin Ham</figcaption></figure>



<h2>3. Mike D’Antoni</h2>



Mike D’Antoni will always be a candidate whenever a head coaching job becomes available. He’s too experienced to be sitting on a bench as an assistant coach, and we all know he’s one of the best offensive minds in the game.



This team could definitely use some offensive uptick and spark. They’re too stagnant on half-court sets, and their offense goes dry way too often, especially from beyond the arc. Their defense could be a concern, though.



<h2>2. Doc Rivers</h2>



Doc Rivers didn’t get another chance to coach, which is not much of a surprise if you consider how many leads he’s blown in the playoffs. But he still has an NBA championship pedigree and plenty of experience developing culture.



This team lacks accountability, and that’s not going to be an issue with Doc. He’s a respected guy in the league and a ‘player’s coach.’ His rotations could test the fans’ patience, but he’s a proven winner, at least in the regular season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240109_BUS_96798_Doc-Rivers-1-1024x572_d1c2780f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="Doc Rivers" class="wp-image-12268" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Doc-Rivers-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Doc Rivers</figcaption></figure>



<h2>1. Phil Handy</h2>



Phil Handy has plenty of experience with two things: The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James. He’s been a lifelong assistant and clearly has LeBron’s confidence and ear, and that should not be overlooked when pursuing a new coach.



He’s been waiting for his turn for quite a while, and some believe he actually has a stronger presence and voice in the locker room than Ham, so even though he has never run the show, he could be his logical successor.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="659d92fa355a857559929b1a" data-title="Should the Lakers fire Ham?" data-options="2"></div>

Lakers rumors: Potential replacements for Darvin Ham

Lakers rumors: Potential replacements for Darvin Ham - Bolavip US

In February 2022, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> forced his way out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets">Brooklyn Nets</a> to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>. The Beard enjoyed a great start in the City of Brotherly Love, before another playoff collapse damaged his reputation again. The team decided to run things back, though, but only a year later, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/james-harden-destroys-sixers-gm-daryl-morey-20230814-BUS-46054.html">things got ugly</a>. This offseason, Harden submitted a trade request out of Philly.



But why does the 34-year-old want out of the team he wanted to join less than two years ago? His relationship with the Sixers seemed to reach a point of no return when the team didn’t offer him a max extension, but according to Doc Rivers, Harden’s frustration started when he didn’t make the 2023 All-Star.



“I would say not making the All-Star team really bothered him,” Rivers said on the Dan Patrick Show. “And I thought that was egregious. You know, the coaches just didn’t put them on. You know, he was only leading the league in assists, he was having his best three point percentage shooting year of his career. He was averaging plus 20 and the coaches didn’t put him on the all star team.”



Before being snubbed last season, Harden was part of the All-Star weekend for 10 straight years between 2013 and 2022. But since then, he looked like a shell of himself. The Sixers missed Harden’s best version in the postseason, and despite his trade request, not many teams seemed to pick up the phone to get him.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_80187_James-Harden-5-1-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="James Harden" class="wp-image-80205" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-5-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-5-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-5-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-5-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-5-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>James Harden</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for James Harden?</h2>



Harden made it abundantly clear he desires to play elsewhere. Apart from letting the Sixers front office know about his intention, the veteran guard made his stance public by calling President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey a “liar” in the summer.


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Philadelphia, however, has taken its time to grant Harden’s wishes. The Los Angeles Clippers have been heavily linked with him during the offseason, but the 76ers were unwilling to lower their demands to make it happen.



A return to the Houston Rockets also seemed to be on the cards, yet nothing materialized. The Miami Heat, another team looking for an All-Star, were vaguely mentioned but they never looked like a realistic suitor. In the meantime, he remains under contract with the 76ers ahead of opening night against the Bucks.



<h2>James Harden returns to practice after 10-day absence</h2>



To be fair, Harden has been a true professional throughout this situation. The player reported to training camp, letting the Sixers handle things even though there were no signs of progress. He was out for 10 days, but he was excused by the team to handle a personal matter.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_80187_James-Harden-6-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="James Harden" class="wp-image-78756" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/James-Harden-6.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>James Harden</figcaption></figure>



On Wednesday, Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ facilities for practice, just one day before the team starts the 2023-24 NBA season in Milwaukee. 76ers head coach Nick Nurse later addressed this situation with the media:



“He was in some of the stuff early. Obviously, we’re doing a lot of game prep stuff so he didn’t take part in much of that. It was a pretty short practice at that. So, he was in practice at the start, and he was there at the end, but we had to get ready for our game with the guys that are going to be playing.”



Nurse added that, despite Harden is already back with the team, he will not travel for the road game against the Bucks. The Sixers coach explained that since The Beard was out for 10 days, he’s in “ramp-up” phase once again.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65399c02f2b571abd7e4630e" data-title="Should Harden and the Sixers run things back?" data-options="2"></div>


Harden’s position, however, seems to be the same. The feeling is that the guard still wants to be traded, and his presence with the team is only to respect his current deal. Only time will tell whether he finally gets what he wants before February.

Former Sixers coach Doc Rivers explains what may have upset James Harden

Former Sixers coach Doc Rivers explains what may have upset James Harden - Bolavip US

A couple of months ago, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> fired coach Doc Rivers. He failed to lead the team to a new level and fulfill their potential as an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship contender.



Rivers has a long history of shortcomings in the league. He did win a championship with the Boston Celtics, but most of his tenures have been full of postseason meltdowns.



That includes his final days with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Clippers</a>. That’s why when he knew he was about to get fired, he sabotaged Tyronn Lue to try and land the Sixers’ job, revealed Gilbert Arenas.



<h2>Doc Rivers Stole The Sixers Job From Tyronn Lue</h2>



“Tyronn Lue was supposed to have that team,” Arenas said. “Doc sent Tyronn Lue to Philly and lobbied for him. ‘This is your guy, he’s a great coach, and this is gonna be good for you guys.&apos;”



“It was a Game 7, Doc found out he was getting fired,” added Arenas. “He knew he was getting fired, so he called Philly and said, ‘I want the job now.’ You get backdoored like that, nothing good’s gonna happen.”


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Of course, we already know that Arenas doesn’t mince his words and has some interesting theories. But it seems like he has his sources and knows exactly what happened, and this is not a good look for the former veteran coach.

Doc Rivers stole the Sixers from Tyronn Lue, reveals Gilbert Arenas

Doc Rivers stole the Sixers from Tyronn Lue, reveals Gilbert Arenas - Bolavip US

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