Why Milwaukee Bucks’ Doc Rivers Has a Lot To Prove This 2024-25 Season, per ESPN
Even before he got the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coaching gig, Doc Rivers was already a controversial figure amongst fans. As it stands, he is one of several personalities in the league with a lot to prove during the 2024-25 season.
Rivers has long been a polarizing personality in the NBA, particularly among players from his time with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics. Despite leading the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008, Rivers has faced criticism from several former players. Most recently, Lou Williams shared his perspective on Rivers during an episode of The Underground Lounge podcast, highlighting the mixed feelings many players have about him.
Williams emphasized that opinions on Rivers are often extreme; some players admire him, while others harbor strong negative feelings. He personally praised Rivers, crediting him with revitalizing his career when he joined the Clippers. He noted that Rivers provided the reassurance he needed during a challenging time, ultimately leading to what the former NBA star called the best phase of his career.
Under Rivers’ coaching, Williams won two Sixth Man of the Year awards and averaged over 20 points per game during those seasons, which he described as a remarkable achievement for a player at the age of 31. Regardless of the criticism, it’s clear that Rivers’ influence has been significant in the careers of many players, and his coaching legacy continues to spark debate in the basketball community.
