NBA Rumors: Doc Rivers Could Change Jobs After Missing Playoffs with Milwaukee Bucks

The era of Doc Rivers at the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks could be nearing its end. According to journalist Marc Stein, both the coach and the franchise could be heading towards a separation or, at the very least, a restructuring of his role after a season well below expectations.

The organization is already considering potential replacements. Among the names that have surfaced is Taylor Jenkins, former coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who appears as one of the top candidates to take over Milwaukee's bench. Rivers assumed the position midway through the 2023-24 season following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin. Upon his arrival, he managed to guide the team to the playoffs, although the venture ended in the first round against the Indiana Pacers.

In their first full season, the Bucks finished with a record of 48 wins and 34 losses, yet they faced another first-round exit, once again at the hands of Indiana. In this instance, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Damian Lillard significantly impacted the team's performance.

A Current Season to Forget

This current season has marked an even greater setback. Milwaukee sits in eleventh place with a record of 31-47, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Additionally, it will be the first season since 2015-16 in which the franchise fails to reach 40 victories.

The circumstances have also not been favorable for Rivers. The coach has had to deal with numerous physical issues within the team, including Lillard's serious injury last year and the recurring discomfort of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has only managed to play 36 games this season. Nevertheless, Rivers' potential departure does not guarantee an immediate solution to the team's problems. The Bucks' situation seems to be influenced by multiple factors, with the coach being just one piece of a much more complex scenario.