Gilbert Arenas didn’t mince words on the ‘Nightcap’ show when discussing Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks. According to Arenas, Doc Rivers’ historical coaching record does not showcase a strong emphasis on defense, a critical aspect for the success of any team. Arenas suggested that the best move for the Bucks would be to part ways with Rivers, despite the fact he was just hired recently.
“Doc’s history is he doesn’t have defense. There’s nothing in your history that says you’re very great at defense I’m sorry to point it out.”
“The best thing for the Bucks right now is? Like just to go into the locker room and say hey doc listen. We changed our mind. We’re gonna go with that guy, that gave us the win when you wasn’t here.”
“So, Doc, pack your shit, and then we’re gonna go ahead and finish this season without you because, at the end of the day, we were good before you got here.”
.@ShannonSharpe: "What's the best case scenario for the Bucks?"@GilsArenaShow: "Hey Doc, we changed our mind… pack your sh*t" 😭 pic.twitter.com/S0CWGiulhc
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) February 1, 2024
Rivers currently holds a 0-2 record in his brief tenure with the Bucks, facing challenges against the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite a 15-point lead against the Nuggets, the Bucks couldn’t secure a victory, and the subsequent game against the struggling Blazers also ended in defeat.
The Bucks currently occupy the second spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-16, just one game ahead of the third-placed Knicks and trailing the first-placed Celtics by five games. Arenas proposed replacing Rivers with assistant coach Joe Prunty, who temporarily took charge of the Bucks after the dismissal of Adrian Griffin.
Arenas‘ recommendation to fire Rivers and elevate Prunty stems from a belief that a coaching change could reignite the team’s success. By emphasizing the defensive aspect and potentially tapping into the positive momentum generated under Prunty’s brief leadership, the Bucks may find themselves better positioned for the challenges that lie ahead in the season.
As the Bucks navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the debate around coaching strategies and personnel decisions intensifies, with Arenas offering a bold perspective on what he believes could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential.
The Bucks Can’t Let Go Of Doc Rivers
The recent hiring of Doc Rivers by the Milwaukee Bucks has sparked discussions about the team’s defensive struggles in the two games since his arrival. However, suggesting the possibility of letting go of Rivers just a week into his tenure might be premature. Taking over as a head coach in the middle of the season is a significant challenge, and it often requires time for a coach to implement their strategies and for players to adjust to a new system.
In the two games under Rivers’ leadership, the Bucks have shown a defensive rating of 117.2, ranking 20th in the league during that period. On the offensive end, they have a rating of 112.6, placing them 21st. While these initial stats may raise concerns, it’s crucial to allow Rivers more time to make a meaningful impact.
Doc Rivers is renowned for his ability to handle superstars and extract the best performances from them. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on the Bucks’ roster, Rivers brings valuable experience in maximizing the potential of star players. His offensive strategies are also well-regarded in the basketball community.
Another factor to consider is the financial aspect. If the Bucks were to part ways with Rivers prematurely, they would be financially burdened by having three former coaches on their payroll, including Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin. Managing financial resources is a key consideration for any organization, and investing wisely in coaching personnel is part of that equation.
In conclusion, it’s advisable for the Bucks to exercise patience and allow Doc Rivers the time to implement his coaching philosophy. Making hasty decisions could disrupt the team’s chemistry and result in unnecessary financial strain. Assessing Rivers’ performance over a more extended period, possibly through a full season, would provide a more accurate picture of his impact on the team.
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