Problem that may continue to haunt the Bucks in make-or-break season

The Milwaukee Bucks face a pressure-packed season. Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to compete for a championship, but nobody is discussing Milwaukee in the title race after two straight first round exits. Giannis has struggled to stay healthy, but their roster improved this offseason. It is a massive season because another failure could lead to significant changes.

The Bucks have tried to make moves. Trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard was a seismic shakeup. They also fired head coaches Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin in hopes of sparking the franchise. Griffin lasted just 43 games, but things did not exactly go smoothly with his replacement.

Doc Rivers is back after finishing last season 17-19 before a first-round playoff exit without Giannis. Rivers is a staple in the NBA, including coaching the Celtics to a championship in 2008, but 63-year-old has had issues maximizing his talent. Does coaching continue to be an issue that holds the franchise back?

Doc Rivers' coaching may haunt the Bucks in a make-or-break season

The 76ers were filled with drama during Rivers’ tenure. He lasted just three seasons were he had issues with Ben Simmons and James Harden. It is not the only time the veteran coach has clashed with his players, and the championship coach has a reputation for blowing playoff leads.

Did the Bucks set themselves up for disaster? Rivers has struggled to make in-game adjustments and has had issues in the face of adversity. There will be plenty in Milwaukee this season. It is an aging roster hungry to compete for a championship. The Bucks will suffer injuries and have spats like any franchise looking to win a ring. Can Rivers handle those speed bumps and put the franchise in the best position this season?

Doc struggled in 2024, but he is coming in on the fly and trying to remake their defense. Rivers will have a full training camp this time and more depth. He must answer the bell or the franchise will be looking for their fourth head coach since Mike Budenholzer was fired in 2023.

An early playoff exit in 2025 could end an era in Milwaukee. Brook Lopez is a free agent, and their two superstars may pressure the front office to go elsewhere. There is a ton riding on the team's success.

The Bucks believe in Doc Rivers, but it could be a mistake. His 26 years as a head coach speak volumes, but his recent track record is early playoff exits and underachieving. If it happens again, things could change rapidly. Rivers will be an easy scapegoat for the front office, but Giannis may lose faith. If he does, the doomsday scenario may begin in Milwaukee sooner than anybody expected. Stay tuned to find out.