Doc Rivers did not last much longer in Philadelphia… The 76ers suffered an ugly 112-88 loss at the hands of the Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA semifinals. Eastern Conference, and his coach paid the piper. This Tuesday, May 16, Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN) reported that the Sixers fired the veteran coach. The franchise officially confirmed the news some time later.
BREAKING: The 76ers dismissed coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, sources tell ESPN. Rivers led the Sixers to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in each of his three seasons on the job. pic.twitter.com/WM0t4LhrAz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 16, 2023
While it’s hard to spread the blame between players and coaches for his season’s unfortunate endings, Rivers has earned a reputation for being unable to close out playoff series and take talented teams to the next level.
Throughout his career, the coach has helped lead his teams to the Playoffs in 19 seasons, but success beyond the Regular Season hasn’t been there. In total, the teams led by Rivers have reached the Conference Finals only three timeswith a 1-2 record in those series and all of them on the Celtics.
Don’t forget that Rivers has a ring, but 2008 is further and further away in time, and it certainly wasn’t enough to save his job with the 76ers.
The firing of Doc Rivers in the 76ers
The coach seemed willing to continue leading the team. When asked if he planned to return next season, the coach said he didn’t expect to be anywhere else.
Doc Rivers says he plans to be the coach of the Sixers going forward: “I think I have two years left.” pic.twitter.com/JfH8lJOSz9
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 14, 2023
“Yes, I think I have two years left”, Rivers said, referring to his contract with the team. When asked about the dismissal of other teammates who recently won the best coach award, he assured that: “No one is safe in our business, and I understand that.”
76ers superstars Joel Embiid and James Harden also weighed in on Rivers’ continuity, offering different levels of support for his coach.
On Doc Rivers, Embiid says “I don’t know … I think he has done a fantastic job. We have gotten better over the years. I don’t make the decisions. I think he should be fine … he has been a great leader for all of us.” Notes the run of firings of quality coaches lately. “I’m…
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 14, 2023
“I think he’s done a fantastic job,” Embiid said. “We’ve gotten better over the years. I don’t call the shots. I think it should be fine.” Harden didn’t offer as strong an endorsement as his partner. When asked about their relationship, The beard it was brief.
James Harden on his relationship with Doc Rivers. Not the strongest of endorsements here after a brutal Game 7 loss.
“Our relationship is ok.” pic.twitter.com/qqjn4NHfXG
— David Grzybowski (@DavidGrzyTV) May 14, 2023
Doc Rivers’ Playoff Record
In 23 seasons as head coach, Doc Rivers has a 111-104 (51.6%) playoff record on four different franchises and with 19 total postseason appearances.
In fact, the coach didn’t win his first series as a coach until 2008, when the Celtics were proclaimed champions.
Rivers hasn’t made it past the Conference Semifinals since 2012 with the Celtics, when they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games.
This is his record in the Playoffs, year by year since he was hired by the Orlando Magic in 2000:
| Year | Equipment | Playoff wins | Playoff losses |
| 2000 | Orlando Magic | — | — |
| 2001 | Orlando Magic | 1 | 3 |
| 2002 | Orlando Magic | 1 | 3 |
| 2003 | Orlando Magic | 3 | 4 |
| 2004 | Orlando Magic | — | — |
| 2005 | Boston Celtics | 3 | 4 |
| 2006 | Boston Celtics | — | — |
| 2007 | Boston Celtics | — | — |
| 2008 | Boston Celtics | 16 | 10 |
| 2009 | Boston Celtics | 7 | 7 |
| 2010 | Boston Celtics | 15 | 9 |
| 2011 | Boston Celtics | 5 | 4 |
| 2012 | Boston Celtics | 11 | 9 |
| 2013 | Boston Celtics | 2 | 4 |
| 2014 | Los Angeles Clippers | 6 | 7 |
| 2015 | Los Angeles Clippers | 7 | 7 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Clippers | 2 | 4 |
| 2017 | Los Angeles Clippers | 3 | 4 |
| 2018 | Los Angeles Clippers | — | — |
| 2019 | Los Angeles Clippers | 2 | 4 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Clippers | 7 | 6 |
| 2021 | Philadelphia 76ers | 7 | 5 |
| 2022 | Philadelphia 76ers | 6 | 6 |
| 2023 | Philadelphia 76ers | 7 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 111 | 104 |
Who will be the new head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers?
The coaching market in the US summer will be one of the busiest in years. According to information from Woj, the search for the 76ers includes names like Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel y Monty Williams, entre otros.
The Sixers’ search for a new coach is expected to include Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel and Monty Williams, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 16, 2023
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
2023-05-16 15:20:00
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