Doc Rivers – JJ Redick, second round. In February, the ESPN consultant did not spare his criticism of the first mentioned, who had just taken control of the Bucks. The coach thought his mission would be simpler, and that did not please his former player at all, who then did not regret his words – only the form – a few days later.
“I have heard this speech for years. It’s a speech where he’s always looking for excuses. Hey, Doc, we get it! »had launched JJ Redick. “Taking a team during the season is difficult. We understand ! In the same way that it is difficult for a player to be transferred during the season. But he's always looking for an excuse, and it's always the team's fault. »
The coach who really gave him his chance
Doc Rivers responded to Stephen A. Smith, who logically returned to this episode. So, what is the Bucks coach’s reaction to the criticism of his former player?
“JJ has had a problem with me for a while and I’m okay with that. Players always have problems with coaches, who make decisions they don't agree with.”, he begins. “In his case, he was not extended with the Clippers and I stopped playing him a lot because he was not very effective in the playoffs. All this is known. »
The 2008 NBA champion with Boston will then take up Patrick Beverley's argument in February. That is to say that without him, JJ Redick would not have had such a good career.
“JJ Redick’s best stats were achieved under one coach and he’s in front of you,” declares Doc Rivers in reference to the seasons at the Clippers (2015 and 2016) then at the Sixers (2018 and 2019). “I was the one who took him out of Milwaukee and decided to make him a starter. His career took off from that moment. »
Go to the other side to discover the reality of coaches
Besides the quarrel between the two men, the interesting point is that the former Orlando shooter could become coach of the Lakers next season. How to change your opinion?
“I really hope, from a personal point of view, that he gets this job because then he will understand the problems he had with me or other coaches, which you can hear on his podcast. He will realize that it is not as easy as he thinks, that some decisions to be made are brutal”assures the coach.
To illustrate his point, Doc Rivers takes the example of his experience with Pat Riley in New York in the 1990s. The Knicks player then had a severe disagreement with his coach. He tells the rest…
“I decided to coach five years later and it took me two years. I remember calling Riley and saying, 'Coach, sorry for the fight. I see what you meant, but at the time I didn't see it that way.' I think a lot of players who get into this business realize that then. »
