Doc Rivers is returning to the broadcast booth.
Rivers, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last month and was the head coach of the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics, is joining NBC Sports as an NBA game analyst when its coverage of the association continues next month across NBC, Peacock and NBCSN. Rivers has more than 40 years of NBA experience as both a player and head coach, and is a veteran broadcaster for multiple outlets.
“I loved playing the game, I loved coaching it, and I’ve always loved talking about it,” said Rivers in a press release issued by NBC Sports. “I have great memories working with NBC, and I’m excited to be back and share my perspective alongside such a talented team. This season should be a lot of fun. I can’t wait.”
Rivers has enjoyed a decorated career in the NBA. He led the Celtics to another NBA Finals appearance in 2010, won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2000 with the Orlando Magic, and served as an NBA All-Star Game head coach four times (2008, 2011, 2021, 2024). He ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time list of coaches with the most wins (1,194) and fourth on the all-time list for most games coached (2,059).
Aside from the Magic (1999-2003) and Celtics (2004-13), Rivers also served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23), and Milwaukee Bucks (2024-26). Throughout his career, Rivers coached 40 NBA All-Stars, 21 All-NBA selections, and one NBA MVP (Joel Embiid in 2023).
The No. 31 overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft out of Marquette, Rivers played 12 seasons (1983-96), primarily with the Atlanta Hawks, where he was named a 1988 NBA All-Star. The veteran point guard also spent time with the Clippers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Following his retirement in 1996, Rivers began his broadcasting career as a commentator for Turner Sports before beginning his coaching career in 1999. He also worked for ESPN in between coaching stints in 2003-04 and 2023.
“It’s been 14 years since Doc worked for us as a studio analyst at the 2012 London Olympics, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back on the NBC Sports team,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer & President, NBC Sports. “Having led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA title with nearly four decades of NBA experience between coaching and playing, we are excited to add another Hall of Famer to our roster.”
The 64-year-old Rivers, who has long been a media favorite, has reportedly said his coaching days are behind him and he’s prepared to put his full focus on broadcasting.
The 2026-27 NBA season begins on Tuesday, Oct. 20 with a tripleheader on NBC — Celtics at Pistons (3 p.m.), 76ers at the defending champion Knicks (7 p.m.), and Thunder at Spurs (9:30 p.m.).