Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers became the scapegoat for fans after the team has another failed season, losing in the hands of Indiana Pacers in the first round.
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Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the third 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
The popular opinion is that he should be fired, with most pointing to his lack of adjustment, especially on the starting five.
That will not happen this season probably as reports indicate that Milwaukee are keeping him. Even their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo vouched for him to stay shortly after their 2025 playoffs exit.
“I love Doc. I think he’s a great human being,” Antetokounmpo told reports post-game in April.
“Great dude, knows how to uplift your spirit, knows always the right thing to say at the right moment… I remember when I was a kid, watching him on TV. I love him, not only as a coach as a person, I think he’s a great person… I love working with him.”
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Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hands the trophy to head coach Doc Rivers after winning the Emirates NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Reports have it, too, that Rivers already sat down with the team to make moves and build around Greek Freak this offseason.
Milwaukee Bucks considered 2 names
Although the Bucks firmed that they want Rivers to continue calling the shots, it is believed that that they already have names in mind as replacement.
Hoops Hype wrote quoting Boston Globe:
There were rumors that Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers would assume a role in the front office and leave coaching to either former assistant Sam Cassell, now with the Celtics, or ex-Lakers coach Darvin Ham. But Rivers indicated he intends to return as coach as the Bucks are prepared to keep superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and attempt to rebuild around him.
Ham was the Bucks assistant coach from 2018 to 2022 before getting the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers. He returned to the team before the start of this season to the same role.
Sam Cassell, Boston Celtics
Nov 22, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is restrained by assistant coach Sam Cassell (L) after being assessed a technical foul against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Cassell played for the Bucks for five seasons and was once linked to the Bucks last year when Rivers reportedly eyed him to become his deputy. The plan did not materialize and Cassell is currently with the Boston Celtics.
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