The Milwaukee Bucks have endured a strange season so far. Currently, they are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, with a 32-13 record. However, despite their stellar record, the Bucks have fired their head coach Adrian Griffin due to the team’s declining defensive performances. The franchise’s hierarchy have chosen veteran coach Doc Rivers to become the new head coach of the franchise. But the move seems to have backfired with fans quoting the new coach’s eventless history to criticise the appointment.
Notably, Bucks and Rivers have agreed upon a three-and-a-year contract worth $40 million, according to the Athletics’ Shams Charania. But the point of contention became Rivers’ failure to deliver an NBA title since 2008. The coach failed miserably in his previous two stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Many people view Doc Rivers as a “washed” NBA coach due to his consistent inability to secure an NBA title. Jeff Teague, a former NBA champion with the Bucks, also holds the same viewpoint. During a conversation on his Club 520 Podcast, Teague didn’t hold back on his criticism toward Doc Rivers. He said, “He do the same sh*t that Adrian Griffin was doing. I just watched him in Philly, sh*t was no better.”
The Bucks’ decision to fire Adrian Griffin took many fans by surprise. However, reports had emerged that Griffin had lost the locker room, with stars like Giannis and Dame questioning his ability as a coach. With the fans and the hierarchy expecting nothing less than a title, Doc Rivers faces a monumental task of guiding the team to a championship. But can Rivers and the Bucks win the 2024 NBA title?
An Uphill Task for Rivers
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Going into the 2023-24 season, fans of the Milwaukee Bucks had huge expectations. After all, they completed the blockbuster trade of Damian Lillard and paired him up with Giannis. The Bucks started the season in fine form and have been on pace to finish the regular season as the second best team in the Eastern Conference. However, their results have masked their sub-par defensive performances under rookie HC, Adrian Griffin.
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Contrary to last season, the Bucks have one of the worst defenses in the league, despite possessing defensive stalwarts like Giannis and Brook Lopez. The Bucks have recorded a defensive rating of 117.3, which is the 11th worst mark in the league. The loss of Jrue Holiday has hit them hard, but Doc Rivers would have to find out ways to improve Milwaukee’s sub-par defense.
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Improving their defense should be his utmost priority because only two teams have ever won an NBA title with a defense which is ranked outside the top-15. So, can Doc Rivers improve the Bucks’ defense? Can he lead Milwaukee to the NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!
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