Doc Rivers' overlooked skill could pay huge dividends for the Bucks

Entering his first full season with the Milwaukee Bucks, coach Doc Rivers is under plenty of pressure to help this team bounce back from an ugly 2023-24.

One thing that could assist Rivers along the way is the new talent in town, some of which he helped recruit to Milwaukee. Rivers was a busy man this offseason, recruiting players and coaches alike to join him with the Bucks to make a push for a championship.

Doc Rivers' recruiting could help the Bucks in a big way

Earlier this offseason, the Bucks landed Gary Trent Jr. on a one-year deal worth the vet's minimum, arguably the biggest steal of free agency. Per ESPN's Jamal Collier, Rivers had a big part in getting Trent to sign the dotted line, having flown to Miami to recruit the 25-year-old. Rivers' relationship with Trent's father played a part in Trent's signing, per the report.

Recently, it was announced by ESPN's Baxter Holmes that Rajon Rondo, a two-time NBA champion and former player under Doc Rivers, would be joining the team in an unspecified capacity this year. Per the report, Rivers recruited Rondo at the guard's wedding in Italy this summer, telling him to "get your a** to camp." Rondo has indeed been at Bucks training camp.

Rivers has been in the NBA both as a coach and player for decades now, so he has connections far and wide. As evidenced by the additions of Trent and Rondo, he can recruit talent to Milwaukee as they aim to secure a championship. Both people have particular roles to play on this team.

Trent is almost guaranteed to be Milwaukee's starting shooting guard this season, so getting him on a minimum is huge, considering the kind of production he can bring. While it's unclear what his role will officially be, Rondo will likely be around the players often, and having one of the smartest pure point guards to ever lace them up can certainly help the Milwaukee Bucks grow offensively.

Not only will these two new additions help mightily, but it wouldn't be shocking if the Milwaukee Bucks made another move or two down the line that involves Doc Rivers' ties to someone. Perhaps if a solid player hits the buyout market later this season, Rivers can put his recruiting skills to good use again.

These two additions and any future ones could pay dividends in Milwaukee's title quest this season.

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