Doc Rivers hasn’t exactly been producing Phil Jackson-like success for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After an early exit from the NBA Playoffs in 2025, Milwaukee is looking like a team that is bound to miss the postseason altogether in 2026, as the Bucks continue to struggle on the court.
It has gotten to the point where rumors have begun to circulate about the possibility of Rivers returning at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It’s a rumor that can be traced back to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
Rivers, however, has denied it.
“No, I’m not getting into that,” Rivers said. “That’s something that… I think he feels that way, but not for me.”
Meanwhile, a Bucks player appeared to have reacted to a social media post saying that Rivers was about to end his coaching career. Here’s a screenshot of the like said to be made by rising Milwaukee guard Ryan Rollins.
Rollins liked a post on insta that said Doc was planning to retire 😭 pic.twitter.com/nFBYwPF7KR
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) March 7, 2026
Rollins is shining despite the Bucks’ struggles and rumors surrounding Rivers
Rollins has been among the great stories amid a tough Milwaukee season.
With Damian Lillard and the Bucks parting ways in the summer, Rollins has been given an expanded role in the team’s backcourt. He’s not let his team down, with Rollins having averaged a career-high 16.7 points through his first 61 games in the 2025-26 season.
Rivers has a hand in the emergence of Rollins, as his trust in the former Toledo Rockets star is reflected in the major minutes the young guard is getting on a regular basis. The 23-year-old Rollins is averaging 32.1 minutes per game.
Dec 23, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee guard Rollins (13) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (00) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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