Doc Rivers has one NBA title on his resume from 2008, almost two decades ago.
His last Finals appearance as a coach came in 2010, and despite consistently reaching the playoffs, Doc Rivers has struggled to duplicate that championship dominance.
Last season, his Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round against the Indiana Pacers, marking consecutive first-round exits. The disappointing results have raised questions about Rivers’ effectiveness in today’s NBA.
Kevin Garnett, Rivers’ former player and star of that 2008 Boston championship team, recently shared his perspective on why his former coach has struggled recently.
Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty ImagesGarnett credits players, not coaching, for Rivers’ struggles
Garnett believes Rivers’ difficulties have nothing to do with tactics, old-school approaches, or lack of adjustments. Instead, he places responsibility squarely on the players.
The Hall of Fame forward praised Rivers’ impact beyond basketball, describing him as a father figure who helped shape his personal life.
“He served as a father figure to be able to sharpen and help me with things that I lack, not just in basketball, but in life. Helped me try to be a better husband, better father to my kids. When I say a mentor, nothing better to say, not just a friend, but family,” Garnett explained.
Garnett emphasized that Rivers’ coaching style simply doesn’t fit every player in today’s league.
“So yeah, when I watch him struggle in today’s NBA, I really, truly think it’s just because of the players. Every player can’t play for him. Every player doesn’t fit his style. Doc really is a gritty guy who wants to really defend you for 48 minutes. He grinds you into the ground, and then we can score the ball,” he added.
Shared basketball philosophy created championship chemistry
Garnett highlighted how their similar basketball philosophies created the foundation for championship success in Boston. Their aligned vision made Rivers’ demanding style effective.
“He’s a real no nonsense, nose on the ball kind of guy. And I love that kind of coach. I played with the same passionate energy that he saw the game. We saw the game very alike and very parallel,” Garnett noted.
Despite occasional disagreements, Garnett maintains unwavering loyalty to his former coach.
“Everything he does, I always support, not always agree with some of the things. that’s just human, but man, he’s family. Man, anytime he needs my support, I’m always there no questions asked,” he concluded.
However, the current Bucks roster may not possess the same talent level as that 2008 Celtics team, despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo. The defensive identity Rivers emphasized in Boston hasn’t translated to Milwaukee.
Last season, the Bucks ranked outside the top 10 in defensive rating, suggesting Rivers’ grinding defensive philosophy hasn’t taken hold with his current players.
While Garnett’s opinion carries weight given his successful experience under Rivers, the coach may need to adapt his approach to better suit his current roster and today’s NBA landscape.