Doc Rivers secured his first victory as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night. He will now coach at the NBA 2024 All-Star Game and lead the Eastern Conference team. Describing it as “one of those quirky things,” Rivers acknowledges the honor bestowed upon him. Despite his relatively brief tenure of one week with the Bucks, he has swiftly earned the prestigious role of coaching for the 2024 All-Star Game.
“After being asked how it feels ‘to earn the honor of coaching the Eastern Conference all-stars’ following the Bucks’ 129-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Rivers commented, ‘That is ridiculously bad. It really is,'” Rivers stated. Since his late-month hiring, Rivers holds a 1-2 record. He expressed his intention to give his all-star ring and bonus to Adrian Griffin, who achieved a 30-13 record in his first year as the Bucks’ coach before being dismissed on January 23rd. Milwaukee posted a 2-1 record with assistant Joe Prunty acting as the interim coach.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo Cheers for Doc Rivers’ 2024 All-Star Game Coaching Appointment
“All-star starter Giannis Antetokounmpo reacted to the news, expressing, ‘He’s going to coach the game?’ Antetokounmpo told reporters, ‘It’s great. I’m definitely happy for him. Not just for Doc. I think he’s done it a lot of times in the past. Maybe one time he coached me in the past, or coached against me in 2021. But I’m happy for the whole coaching staff and the whole group that’s going to go there because it’s a unique experience, and you cannot say a lot of times you’ve coached the All-Star Game. I’m definitely happy for them. It’s a lot of hard work that paid off.'”
Rivers Joins Elite Group as 2024 All-Star Game Coach
The East’s starting lineup for the Bucks featured another member, Damian Lillard, who chimed in, “That’s pretty funny.” Rivers, boasting All-Star Game coaching experience in 2008, 2011, and 2021, will become the fifth individual to coach in the game after stepping in mid-season for a team. The most recent instance of this occurred when Tyronn Lue, head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, replaced David Blatt as coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015-16 season.
Rivers Ponders 2024 All-Star Game Break Plans
“Maybe I’ll send my staff and I’ll go on vacation,” Rivers mused. “I’m going to run that by [Commissioner] Adam Silver. I think Adam’s a good man. I think he’ll understand.”On Saturday, the Bucks secured All-Star coaching honors for Rivers and his staff with a 129-117 comeback victory against the Dallas Mavericks. Chris Finch, head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, will lead the Western Conference All-Stars. The All-Star Game is set to take place on Feb. 18 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers.
Coaching Gig with Bucks
Rivers is set to make his fourth appearance as a coach in the All-Star Game, having previously led teams in 2008, 2011, and 2021. He clinched the position by boasting the best record among eligible coaches from the Eastern Conference by February 4th. The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold a 32-16 record, securing the second spot in the conference. Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics, isn’t eligible due to his coaching role in last year’s 2023 All-Star Game.
Reflections on Coaching Role and Gratitude towards Griffin
In Saturday’s victory, Rivers finally notched his first win in three attempts with the Bucks. This achievement prompts questions about his suitability for the role and its accompanying benefits. Rivers seems to acknowledge the contributions of former Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin, as reported by NBA journalist Marc Stein. Rivers expressed his intention to dedicate his All-Star ring and coaching share to Griffin, who was relieved of his duties last month, despite the Bucks boasting a 30-13 record at the time.