The Philadelphia 76ers were up 3-2 with a chance to make their first Conference Finals in the Joel Embiid era but lost back-to-back games to the Celtics and were eliminated. Ex-76ers coach Doc Rivers opened up on that loss ahead of his return to Philly with his new squad, claiming he wanted Joel Embiid to get the ball more in that Game 6 loss.
“I didn’t think Joel got the ball enough. Trust me, it was for him to get it and he didn’t get it. I don’t know how healthy he was.”
Embiid did have an active role in that 86-95 loss for the 76ers which allowed the Celtics to force, and win, Game 7 at home. Joel ended the night with 26 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-19 for the game. He had the second-most shots on the team, with Tyrese Maxey attempting 20 in that low-scoring affair.
Even with the numbers, it’s not the version of Embiid we saw during the regular season last year or even this year. He knows how to take over games and impose his will, but was being deferential to guards like Maxey and James Harden in that Game 6.
Rivers has a penchant for ducking accountability, so his bringing up Joel right now is the latest quote in Rivers’ recent media tour where he’s made several questionable comments. This didn’t need to be said as well, as it was widely believed Embiid played through an injury in that series.
Doc Rivers Has Made Multiple Questionable Media Comments In Recent Weeks
Ever since accepting the role as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Rivers has made a series of questionable comments in the media. He openly admitted that he told the Bucks front office they made a mistake when they fired ex-coach Adrian Griffin and hired him instead.
“To be honest, I told our owners when they called, I said, ‘I don’t understand why you’re doing this.’ One of the things they said was, ‘It doesn’t matter, we’ve done it now,’ and we want you. So that was a tough one and that’s where you have hesitation.”
Rivers also has reiterated the difficulty of becoming the head coach of a team like the Bucks midway through the season, something people like JJ Redick believe he’s doing to shield himself if things go wrong.
“I’ve never done this. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s going to be a challenge.”
He also had a quote about his time with the Clippers, claiming he tried convincing Kawhi Leonard to trust Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s development instead of forcing a trade for Paul George.
“I even brought it up to Kawhi: ‘Are you sure? I think Shai’s going to be an amazing player’,” said Doc. “It may take a year or two, but I think you’re underestimating how good Shai’s going to be.’ I didn’t argue the decision or anything, but I brought it up. I just thought, is there any way we can do this deal without putting Shai in it?”
The only positive comments he’s made throughout this stretch has been taking accountability for his role in Ben Simmons’ downfall after the 2021 Playoffs. Outside of that, Rivers’ recent comments have sparked a war among media analysts.
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