The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the most successful NBA franchises in the 2020s. However, the Bucks are now looking for their fourth coach this decade after parting ways with Doc Rivers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Doc Rivers is departing as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN,” Charania tweeted late last night. “After a 32-50 season, the Bucks will embark on their third coaching search in the last three years.”
Since the beginning of the 2019-20 season, Milwaukee owns the third-best record in the NBA at 340-215. However, this season was an utter disaster due to injuries and an inconsistent offense. Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to 36 games, and starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. only appeared in 38, while Myles Turner was a major disappointment in his first season with the Bucks.
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Milwaukee finished in 11th place in the East with a 32-50 record, marking the franchise’s worst record since 2013-14. It also marks their first losing season in 10 seasons and snaps a nine-year playoff streak.
With Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks didn’t have a go-to scorer or an offensive creator. So, it is no wonder that the Bucks struggled offensively, though 10 players did average double-figures on the season.
In addition, Charania reported a disconnect between Rivers and the Bucks, including instances that annoyed the locker room. Rivers was 97-103 in two-plus seasons with the Bucks, along with 3-8 in the postseason. He will get his full 2026-27 salary, estimated at around $10 million, and may remain with the organization in an advisory role. However, The Athletic reported that the 64-year-old may choose to take a break.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers said in a statement from the team. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart.”
Milwaukee averaged 110.6 points, the second-lowest in the league, and was outscored by 6 points per game. Moreover, the Bucks ranked in the bottom third in offensive rating, as they were the league’s worst offensive rebounding team and played at a below-average pace.
The Bucks also struggled on defense. The Bucks were 26th in defensive efficiency because they struggled to defend the 3-point line and didn’t force many turnovers.
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