After this new failure in the conference semi-finals, it was predictable: The Athletic announces that Philadelphia leaders have decided to part ways with Doc Rivers. Champion in 2008 with the Celtics, the former Hawks and Knicks point guard had two more years on his contract, but he failed to do better than Brett Brown at the head of the Sixers, despite the presence of two MVPs : James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Criticized for his management of decisive matches, and even the end of matches, Rivers joins the long list of coaches fired this spring, and it is prestigious since it includes Nick Nurse, Mike Budenholzer and Monty Williams. Unlike his three colleagues, it is not certain that Rivers will immediately find a job…
Three seasons, three losses in the conference semifinals
Arriving in Pennsylvania in October 2020 after the Orlando “bubble”, the Philly coach has managed to improve his team’s record each year, going from 49 to 51 and then 54 wins this season, the best record since 2001. A year like no other since Allen Iverson had been named MVP, and he had guided the Sixers to first place in the Eastern Conference. At the same time, Rivers’ record is mediocre: three straight eliminations in the conference final, including two by wasting a match point at home!
According to ESPN, this departure could encourage James Harden to extend while his name is circulating more on the side of the Rockets.
More info to come.
