Stephen A. Smith has voiced strong concerns on ‘First Take’ over the Milwaukee Bucks’ rough 1-3 start to the 2024-25 season, pointing to Doc Rivers’ coaching career potentially being on the line if the team’s struggles persist.
“I don’t have the slightest damn clue. I don’t understand what the hell is going on. They opened the season with a victory and ever since then they’ve lost three straight to the teams that you’ve mentioned.”
“Damian Lillard and Giannis are averaging 28 a game. Obviously, Chris Middleton being out injured, that certainly has compromised him.”
“Gary Trent Jr. trying to ingratiate himself into the proceedings or whatever. I don’t know what the hell is going on right now, but they better get it together. Doc Rivers, again, I’ve said this on many, many occasions, I’m a fan, I love the man, but if he doesn’t get it done this year, this could be it for him for his career as a head coach in the National Basketball Association.”
“He got the job last year when they fired Adrian Griffin, even though he was well above 500, like 31-13 or something like that. Okay, they brought in Doc Rivers. Last year wasn’t a good year for him, we know that.”
“Giannis wasn’t available in the post-season. But it doesn’t seem, even though they’re both averaging 28 a game, the chemistry that we anticipated we would see with Giannis and Damian Lillard doesn’t appear to be there.”
“I don’t think they’ve had enough time together, but you know, you’ve had enough time around one another to have a better level of cohesiveness. And I think that that’s what a lot of people are looking at right now. We don’t definitively know the answer, but it’s got a suspect on them right now, no question.”
Stephen A. Smith expressed confusion and frustration with the Bucks’ lackluster performance despite having superstar talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who are both averaging 28 points per game. However, the anticipated chemistry between Giannis and Lillard hasn’t materialized, and the team’s defense—a weak point last season—remains problematic under Rivers, raising red flags for Smith.
After an opening night win against the Philadelphia 76ers, who were missing key players Joel Embiid and Paul George, the Bucks dropped three consecutive games to the Bulls, Nets, and the defending champions, the Celtics. The losses to Chicago and Brooklyn, in particular, were unexpected, as Milwaukee was favored to win those matchups, sparking even more criticism.
The team’s defense, supposedly improved under Rivers’ leadership after he replaced Adrian Griffin, remains among the bottom five in the league—a glaring issue for a team with championship aspirations.
Smith pointed out that, despite their impressive individual stats, Giannis and Lillard have yet to establish the kind of cohesion expected from a duo of their caliber. Lillard has posted averages of 28.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on 47.1% shooting from the field, though he’s struggled from deep, shooting just 30.8% from three-point range.
Meanwhile, Giannis has delivered his usual all-around brilliance, averaging 28.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on a remarkable 62.0% shooting. Still, these individual performances have not translated to wins, and Smith believes that falls partially on Rivers’ shoulders, as he hasn’t managed to integrate these stars effectively within his system.
Smith’s remarks reflect his belief that Rivers is under immense pressure to deliver with the Bucks this season, especially after the team’s decision to move on from Adrian Griffin, who had a solid record but was let go largely due to defensive lapses.
Rivers, who boasts an extensive coaching career with a championship under his belt, has faced scrutiny over recent seasons, particularly for his playoff shortcomings with previous teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. Given that this Bucks roster has two of the league’s brightest stars, Rivers is expected to guide them to an elite level in the Eastern Conference. Smith’s comments underscore the urgency for Rivers to establish a cohesive system that maximizes the potential of Giannis and Lillard’s partnership.
Smith acknowledged that it’s early in the season, but he also emphasized the competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, where teams like the Celtics, Cavs, and Sixers are vying for top playoff positions. With little margin for error, the Bucks cannot afford a prolonged slump. The slow start, Smith suggests, could be an omen if Rivers and his team cannot turn things around quickly, especially given the high expectations surrounding the pairing of Giannis and Lillard.
Rivers, he implied, needs to develop an effective strategy, particularly on defense, if he is to secure his coaching legacy with the Bucks and avoid the “suspect” label Smith has placed on the team.
With championship expectations hanging in the balance, Rivers and the Bucks must find ways to tighten up their defense and solidify the Giannis-Lillard tandem. Smith’s critique highlights the pressing need for results and raises the stakes for Rivers, suggesting that the Bucks’ success—or lack thereof—could have lasting implications for the coach’s career.
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