Home

NBA

Doc Rivers’ ESPN Exit Left $174 Billion Worth Company’s Management “Disappointed”, Per Sources

Published 01/27/2024, 2:40 PM EST

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The Milwaukee Bucks have endured a strange season so far. Despite having the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks have shown an uncharacteristic defensive vulnerability. Due to their sub-par defensive performances, the Bucks’ hierarchy decided to fire rookie HC, Adrian Griffin. The Bucks have chosen veteran head coach Doc Rivers as Adrian Griffin’s successor.

Notably, the Bucks and Rivers agreed upon a three-and-a-half-year contract worth approximately $40 million, according to The Athletics’ Shams Charania. Milwaukee’s decision to hire Doc Rivers has caught many people by surprise, especially because Rivers has been without a coaching gig since the 76ers fired him. At the time of his hiring, Doc Rivers worked for ESPN as an analyst.

As per recent reports, “ESPN management was disappointed with Rivers’s decision, according to a source at the network.” ESPN’s management also felt that Rivers had seamlessly transitioned into his new role as an analyst and would excel during the NBA Finals. However, according to reports by Boston.com, “Executives, according to the source, understood that probably not even Rivers expected a golden opportunity such as the Bucks job to open up so quickly.” His on-air co-presenters, Mike Breen and Doris Burke, however, dealt with Rivers’ departure in a much different manner.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During ESPN’s coverage of the Suns vs Mavericks game, iconic commentator Mike Breen paid a hilarious tribute to Doc. He said, “For ABC/ESPN, Doc Rivers is out. Our dear friend has decided life as an NBA broadcaster is way too stressful, so he’s decided to opt for a less stressful job, NBA head coach on a team that’s trying to win a championship.” Having excelled in his last job, can Rivers bring that same magic to the city of Milwaukee and lead them to an NBA title?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Doc Rivers lead NBA title for Bucks seems probable

Doc Rivers is one of the most experienced head coaches in the modern NBA. Over his illustrious 25-year career as a head coach, Rivers has amassed a CV very few coaches can rival. However, Doc hasn’t experienced success in some of his recent coaching jobs with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers. In recent seasons, Doc Rivers has had to face increased scrutiny because of his limited in-game adjustments.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

With the Bucks, Rivers inherits a roster that is regarded as one of the best in the league. However, they have suffered some embarrassing losses due to their sub-par defense. Rivers must promptly address their defensive issue, or he might find himself back with ESPN as soon as the start of next season. Anything less than a title win will be regarded as a failure. So, the pressure is on Doc Rivers to deliver.

Watch this Story: Watch: 7′3″ Basketball Player Stunned Social Media With Spectacular Dunk-Blocking Skills

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Dushyant Singh

777Articles

One take at a time

Dushyant Singh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His basketball script journey began in 2020 when he was captivated by the Los Angeles Lakers? triumphant NBA championship win. Before that he was merely dribbling and dunking as a boy next door.
Show More>

Edited by:

Ruth John