While not official yet, Amir Coffey is expected to be on the Milwaukee Bucks regular season roster in the coming days, and Doc Rivers reportedly had a hand in that. According to HoopsHype NBA insider Michael Scotto, Rivers reportedly pushed hard to keep Coffey, who was on a contract that only lasted through training camp and the preseason, in town.
Amir Coffey has Doc Rivers in his corner
The connection between Rivers and Coffey goes way back. Rivers was Coffey's coach during his first year in the league in 2019-20 when they were both with the LA Clippers. Upon signing with the Bucks, Coffey made it clear that the previously-established relationship with Rivers was one of the driving factors in his decision to sign with Milwaukee.
The seeds of the relationship were planted then, and they are about to blossom with the Bucks.
Of course, Coffey isn't making Milwaukee's roster solely because of his relationship with Doc Rivers. The forward reportedly turned heads at training camp, making it impossible to ignore his presence. He didn't dazzle in the preseason, averaging just 3.3 points and a rebound per contest, but he did enough to gain Milwaukee's attention, clearly.
In keeping Andre Jackson Jr. and Amir Coffey, the Milwaukee Bucks released Chris Livingston and are expected to let go of Tyler Smith. That fits in with Rivers' typical line of thinking, as Jackson and Coffey are more experienced and likelier to contribute if given the opportunity. Coffey, now 28, joins the Bucks as one of the oldest players on this remodeled roster.
Though Coffey has made the roster, his pathway into the rotation isn't so clear. He won't be a starter, and he will be competing for minutes off the bench with Kyle Kuzma, Andre Jackson Jr., and Taurean Prince. If he will leapfrog any of those returning Milwaukee Bucks, he must impress. It all starts with his ability to shoot the long ball and defend as many different players as possible.
With Coffey destined to make the roster, the team is set. It's a quality roster from top to bottom, with the main focus being youth, athleticism, and versatility. Coffey, a 6-foot-7 forward, will certainly play a part in that. Now, the question is how big of a role he can carve out for himself. His past connection with Rivers could play a part.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.