Many thought last season would be Doc Rivers' last go-round as the Milwaukee Bucks coach, but all signs point to him returning. However, the Boston Globe (subscription required) noted that there was chatter in the rumor mill that Rivers could have transitioned to a front office role, which would have opened the door for either Darvin Ham or Sam Cassell to take over as Milwaukee's leading voice.
Doc Rivers will be under a microscope after this rumor
This would have been a fascinating development, largely because many thought Milwaukee needed a fresh voice after yet another early playoff exit. With two potential replacements in mind, that thought may have been circling in the Bucks' front office as well. However, at least for now, it appears Rivers is set to remain the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
If things go south with Rivers in 2025-26, these two names will surface once again. Ham already has one foot in the door, as he's been an assistant in Milwaukee for years now. Cassell, whom Rivers tried to get on his staff in aggressive fashion last season, is currently one of the most respected assistants in the NBA and has been featured in countless coaching interviews in recent times.
If it comes down to it, Cassell should get the nod here. While Ham has more experience with these particular players and has held a head coaching job, hiring him may feel too repetitive after he was with both Mike Budenholzer and Doc Rivers as assistants. If they cut ties - or promote Rivers to the front office - the Bucks need to wipe the slate entirely clean and start fresh.
Cassell is such a well-respected assistant among players, coaches, and front offices that he could come in and hit the ground running if given an opportunity. It wouldn't take much for the players in Milwaukee to buy in. Furthermore, the city would embrace him, as he was a vital cog on the Bucks teams of the late 90s and early 2000s (as was Ham, but he did not play as crucial a role).
Rumor has it that one of the deciding factors in the Milwaukee Bucks hiring Adrian Griffin was that Giannis Antetokounmpo coveted having a former player as a head coach. Cassell would certainly fill those shoes. It certainly never hurts to keep the franchise superstar happy.
A three-time NBA Champion, All-Star, and All-NBA honoree, Cassell was not only decorated as a player who lasted 15 years, but his legacy has only grown as an assistant.
It feels inevitable that he'll land a head coaching job at some point, whether that's with the Milwaukee Bucks or not. If Milwaukee parts with Rivers, Sam Cassell should be the first candidate in line to take his place.
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