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

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

The organization is already considering potential replacements. Among the names that have emerged, Taylor Jenkins, former coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, stands out as one of the top candidates to take over the Milwaukee Bucks' sidelines. Rivers took over midway through the 2023-24 season after the dismissal of Adrian Griffin. In his arrival, he managed to guide the team to the playoffs, although the adventure ended in the first round against the Indiana Pacers.

In their first full season, the Bucks posted a record of 48 wins and 34 losses, but suffered another first-round exit, once again against Indiana. This time, the Achilles tendon rupture suffered by Damian Lillard significantly impacted the team's performance.

A Current Forgettable Campaign

This season has been an even greater setback. Milwaukee sits in eleventh place with a 31-47 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Also, it will be the first season since 2015-16 where the franchise doesn't reach 40 wins.

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