It’s no secret that Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is of Democratic political leaning. That doesn’t mean he agrees with the party’s tactics. Speaking to MSNBC commentator Nicole Wallace on her podcast, Rivers expressed dismay about how Democrats have handled Donald Trump’s presidential victory and its approach to political topics in general.
Doc Rivers Might Not Practice What He Preaches While Coaching Milwaukee Bucks, But He Has Plenty of Suggestions
Ironically, Fox News ran a report on Rivers’ comments. One would think the staunchly conservative platform would do nothing to enlighten the so-called enemy, but it seems everyone needs clicks.
The network’s report recounts that, in particular, Rivers told Wallace he isn’t a fan of the Democratic mindset following Trump’s election, noting the fixation on uncovering why the Republicans’ aspiring despot won.
“I think we need to take the ‘because’ out, and I am serious,” Rivers said. “Trump won and start there, not ‘because.’ Trump won and what do we have to do differently? You have to take ownership of things. We do it in sports all the time.”
Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks, Democrats
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers call a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Bucks fans might scoff at the notion that Rivers is one to adjust proactively; their cries to change the starting lineup in Milwaukee’s first round loss to Indiana went unheeded until Game 5, far too late. No doubt there are those would have him impeached. Do as I say, not as I do – that proverbial phrase might be an appropriate lens through which to interpret his political exhortations.
Rivers continued his coaching analogy:
Yeah, I come in after a game we lost ‘because.’ But then I say we lost, but we have to do these things differently if we want to win. We can’t just say we lost because ‘they just made a lot of shots.’ Then we have to force them to miss more shots, we have to do something different.
As Milwaukee faithful well know, you can pant at the postgame podium until the cows come home, but only tangible changes make a difference.
Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers, Democrats
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers calls a play in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Time for a New Lineup
Rivers doesn’t understand the current plan of attack. “It is so strange we are blaming the people who voted for Trump for why he won. It makes no sense to me. It’s backwards.”
He suggested a different gameplan:
We didn’t get enough people out to vote. That is one thing. We have to figure out, first start with ourselves, how can we ignite ourselves, our side to vote more, because we have more people to vote. We have to make them excited, we have to connect to them. We’re not connecting.
Rivers stressed the need to get more Black men to the polls, where 76% voted for candidates other than Trump (contrary to his claim of capturing 40% of the Black male vote).
Says Rivers, though, those voters represented significantly less than the entire eligible demographic. A feeling of “hopelessness” due to systemic oppression and overlooked interests is a sentiment Democrats will need to address.
Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers, Democrats
Apr 6, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) talks about a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
He doesn’t have all the answers, but the bottom line is that the party needs to change up its scheme and retire stale methods to the bench.
“I don’t know what that change is, but I know the norm has not worked. The norm worked on the popular vote, but there are states that haven’t voted on the Democratic side in 50 years.”
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