When Will Doc Rivers Make His Bucks Coaching Debut? Details on Newest HC’s 1st Game With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co

In a surprising mid-season move, the Milwaukee Bucks parted ways with first-year head coach Adrian Griffin. However, just days later, they made a significant leadership addition. They have bought in seasoned coach Doc Rivers, who boasts an impressive 24 seasons of coaching experience and a championship under his belt. Rivers, with an illustrious coaching career, led his teams to the playoffs 19 times, reaching the Finals twice. He also holds the accolade of being the NBA Coach of the Year for the 1999-2000 season. Moreover, in 2022, he was named among 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history.

Now, as NBA fans eagerly await Rivers’ debut game with the Bucks, an NBA Insider suggests that it will be against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets.

With Griffin absent, assistant coach Joe Prunty has been stepping into the interim coaching role. So far, he has guided the team to a 1-1 record, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in both challenges. If the NBA Insider’s report holds, the Bucks will continue without Doc Rivers for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, given the challenging stretch ahead in their schedule, it will be a test for Rivers, as they would be facing the defending champions.

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The Philadelphia 76ers fired Rivers from a coaching position after the previous season. Before the Bucks lured him, he was working as an analyst with ESPN.

Doc Rivers is already assembling his unit

In preparation for assuming the role of head coach for the Bucks, Doc Rivers has been actively shaping his coaching staff. Till now, he has recruited Rex Kalamian and Dave Joerger to bolster his staff. Despite lacking experience as a head coach, Kalamian brings a wealth of knowledge from his roles as an assistant coach on various teams. His most notable stint came with the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka. Given that the squad thrived off each other’s success, Kalamian can balance the talents of players like Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton.

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Moreover, addressing one of the major reasons behind Griffin’s dismissal—The Bucks’ defensive struggles—Joerger’s expertise becomes crucial. He also has experience in head coaching roles with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. Moreover, he has also worked with rivers during his 76ers times. Joerger is poised to bring his defensive acumen to the Bucks. Furthermore, his savvy approach to defense is can display an immense impact on the team right away.