As Doc Rivers’ coaching journey continues into his 25th season as an NBA head coach, he remains committed to evolving his approach to the game. In a recent interview with The Athletic, Rivers reflected on why he continues to embrace the high-stakes nature of coaching playoff contenders, even after a career marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Now at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks, he’s tasked with integrating superstar Damian Lillard alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo while refining the team’s identity on both ends of the floor.
Doc Rivers’ Coaching Evolution: Adapting to Lead the Bucks Forward
Learning and Adapting
When asked about navigating the pressures of leading a title contender, he referenced Bill Belichick’s metaphor of “landing the plane” versus “crash landing.” For Rivers, this season represents another opportunity to guide a high-profile team to its ultimate destination.
“I’m literally excited about the team,” Rivers said. “I am so f—— engaged. I think we got the right group, I just do. And you know, again, as Bill Belichick said, we’re either going to land this f—— plane or we’re going to have a crash landing.”
His enthusiasm underscores a commitment to refining his coaching methods, incorporating lessons learned from past experiences, and applying new ideas drawn
from studying other sports like his decision to employ a defensive coordinator.
Addressing Past Shortcomings
Rivers acknowledged the criticisms that have followed him throughout his career, including missed opportunities in the postseason. However, he pushed back against the notion that he has “come up short.”
“But I’ve never come up short, in my opinion. Come up short? What does that mean? Like, we didn’t win a title? I go back in Philly. I took that job after we lost in the first round 4-0 (to the Celtics in 2020 under Brett Brown). The next year, we win the East in the regular season. All right. We are one game away from the Eastern finals. So there’s times where I’m like we’re being evaluated on a different standard. And the great news is I’ve created that standard. So for me, that’s good. But then when the narrative comes that you can’t do it, that’s bulls—. Because I’ve done it and I can do it. It’s just hard to do it.”
Despite disappointing playoff exits with the Clippers and 76ers, Rivers emphasized that he built his career on accepting high-pressure roles.
“If I’ve learned anything from my journey with Boston, I want that position more than the, ‘Well, we can be fifth seed if some things go right’ position.”
Rivers further reaffirmed his preference for the challenges that come with coaching contenders.
A Fresh Approach in Milwaukee
Since taking over midway through last season, Rivers has been diligent in assessing what the Bucks need to return to championship form. He spent the offseason reviewing all 82 games from the previous year, identifying recurring mistakes and plotting adjustments.
Rivers explained:
“Teams that have been together can become stuck. They get used to what they’re doing. And to unstick them, to show them that we got to do things differently. There’s different ways. Take what they’ve done well that can still fit them and use that, and then things that don’t work anymore, let’s not be stubborn and stay on it. Let’s move on.”
Rivers aims to build on Milwaukee’s defensive foundation while refining transition play and establishing clearer offensive roles. The new approach is also about balance. Rivers emphasized the importance of managing players’ health while still aiming for a successful regular season.
“We know this, we’re not winning if Giannis and Dame don’t play in the playoffs. That’s a fact.”
Rivers is highlighting the challenge of keeping the roster healthy and prepared for a deep run. This cautious optimism reflects a more nuanced strategy shaped by his past experiences with aging rosters and high expectations.
The Path Forward for Doc Rivers Coaching the Bucks
Rivers’ comments to The Athletic reveal a coach who remains a lifelong learner despite his veteran status. His offseason adjustments and commitment to evolving the Bucks’ system are signs of a coach who recognizes the need to adapt, especially in an NBA that continues to evolve rapidly.
As he prepares for the 2024-25 season, Rivers is not just looking to prove critics wrong but to demonstrate that his willingness to grow can still lead to success at the highest level. For Doc Rivers, this season is about more than just restoring his reputation—it’s about showing that even after 25 years, a coach can continue to innovate.
