Doc Rivers Reveals the Real Reason for Joining Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most impressive teams in the Eastern Conference this season. The off-season changes that brought in Rockets’ former GM Daryl Morey and veteran coach Doc Rivers has worked wonders for the side.

Under the legendary coach, the 76ers look like an all-round team. They have been one of the most dominant teams in the Conference, winning 17 games out of the 24 games they have played.

The 59-year-old recently made an appearance at the All the Smoke Podcast. There, he opened up about why he joined the 76ers in the first place.

He said, “The Philly job was just so interesting to me because of Ben and Joel. I knew Tobias was there, and I’d coached him. And I thought I could get to him as well.”

He also opened up about the fundamental change that the side needed. He said, “So, you know, this group, it just needed a change like culture. That just wasn’t as much as on the floor. We had to change just the culture all around on the floor, in the office, in our development, everything.”

Doc also credited general manager Elton Brand and President of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, for supporting him.

“They allowed me to come in and do that. Elton at the start, who was the main guy and didn’t we bring in Darryl so just having that group behind me and allow me to do the things that I need to do that I think helps us win because they’ve been amazing.”

The 76ers organization will hope that the team can finally have some post season success this season. Given that Embiid and Simmons still have their prime ahead, this could potentially be a dynasty in the making.

Can Doc Rivers win his 2nd Championship with the Philadelphia 76ers

Last season, when the LA Clippers announced the signing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, it seemed like Doc Rivers was going to win his second NBA title after 12 years.

But in classic Clippers fashion, they bowed out after an incredible comeback by the Denver Nuggets. After the Clippers sacked him, the 76ers roped in the veteran coach.

Rivers has had a tendency to get the best out of his centers. It has been true with the 76ers as well, as Joel Embiid is playing at an MVP level.

In the 19 games he has played, he is averaging a career high 29.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

Playing through the 7’0 center has worked wonders for the 76ers, who have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Their young guard, Ben Simmons, might not be averaging monstrous numbers, but he has thrived as the primary facilitator.

With players like Tobias Harris finding their feet, and explosive shooters like Seth Curry and Danny Green on the court, Simmons does not have too much pressure on the offensive end.

The 76ers’ system has led the team in having the 4th best defense and the 15th best offense in NBA. Philly have looked like a cohesive unit and have the ability to defeat any team. Can Doc finally win his second championship with this team?