Doc Rivers was never an overly popular choice as Milwaukee Bucks head coach when they moved on from Adrian Griffin in 2023. It was for good reason, as ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the relationship between coach and players has become fractured and is far from repair, highlighting a particular instance in which a recent film session didn't land well with players.
"The session was among a number of instances that rubbed large parts of the locker room the wrong way and continued the theme of a season-long disconnect between Rivers and the players, according to team sources."
Rivers' future to be decided in the next week
There has been a lot going on with the Bucks in recent years, leading to their three straight first-round exits in the postseason and missing the playoffs completely this season. Not all of it is on Rivers; the front office and players need to take responsibility as well. However, a 96-100 record with a top-three player in the league is not a convincing case for you to stay in the role when you and the franchise claimed to be aiming to contend for a title.
Charania stated, "though Rivers has another year left on his contract, Haslam and Edens will decide his job status in the next week, sources said." It is clear that the locker room is currently in disarray, and there doesn't seem to be a way back. It would be shocking to see Rivers coaching this team in 2026-27, whether Giannis is there or not.
Rivers reportedly declined to speak to ESPN about his relationship with the team, an interesting decision that doesn't come across well when you could just give a standard PR answer about being on the same page.
There is a huge summer ahead for the Bucks
So many questions still linger around the Bucks as an organization. This isn't just a roster or coaching issue; there are problems from top to bottom, and there is a clear disconnect within the franchise that needs to be rectified in the summer. It won't be easy, but there is a clear starting point.
There have already been reports about the Bucks moving on from Rivers and looking towards a new head coach, with former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins being mentioned. It does feel like a big reset is coming with reports around Giannis Antetokounmpo's future ramping up towards an exit from Milwaukee. The question is who exactly will be on the move.
This summer will be a long, drawn-out one for the Bucks as these reports continue circling. Plenty of writing is on the wall in some situations, with Rivers and the team looking set to move in separate ways, but you never know with the NBA. There are set to be more twists and turns before we see the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2026-27 season.