Stephen A.: This is Doc Rivers' LAST CHANCE to prove himself as a head coach 🚨 | NBA Countdown

Stephen A. Smith, Adrian Wojnarowski, Michael Wilbon and Bob Myers join Malika Andrews on NBA Countdown to describe the pressure Doc Rivers will have to win a championship with Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks after failing to do so with the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
✔️Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV
#nba #espn #basketball

[@Laurenfishburne]

Doc’s agent need a raise this is wild. To have 25 years in coaching with only 1 chip and constant consideration for a job is wild

[@RynelTjon-pf6lm]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@gugy68]

Yep. It’s really amazing how many failures Doc had and he still gets so many opportunities.

[@jaysouthmusic8230]

More like a lifetime raise lol

[@davidbailey9073]

PROLLY CAUSE HE GOT A WHITE WIFE OR HE IS IN THE GOOD GUY CLUB, FOR A BLACK MAN, HE PRIVILEGED, HE DUZ GET FOR SOME REASON A WHOLE WHOLE LOT OF CHANCES....BUT I DO NOT LIKE THIS MOVE BUT HEY, LIVE AND LET LIVE, I GUESS?🤔

[@daddywalker6133]

A winning record and 9th all time coaching wins lol

[@t99155]

When KG yelled “anything is possible!” He was talking about Doc being a head coach

[@BARF_FACE_9000]

😂

[@avthecool129]

😂😂

[@jblack862]

😂😂😂

[@vatheos6713]

😂😂😂😂

[@elijah.j3288]

😒

[@christophermichaelfisher7185]

The look on Stephen A face when wilbon says "orange & blue sky's in NYC" 🤣🤣😭😭😭😭😭

[@demariomontague27]

Yo I was rollin!!!

[@egb9156]

He came in his pants at the thoughts of Giannis with the knicks

[@typo6616]

Dude looked like he just stole christmas

[@kuyo86]

​@@typo6616😂😂😂

[@docmemphis2760]

Doc still riding that celtics 08 wave

[@XxxRedDevilxX]

Pfff I wanted kobe to get that 08 year for a second 3peat. Ffff doc rivers was not a bad choice 15 years ago, though Im worried for the Bucks. Technically I am clippers and bucks fans as of today january 2024 though I bet both teams manage to galvanize the post-season against nuggets/heats/ boston

[@robliberachi]

@@XxxRedDevilxXyou feel me bro. But what’s crazy is even if Kobe won that they’d Still be discrediting him.

[@jayteepanganiban4301]

Now with Doc Rivers back as a coach. Can we have both Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson back at commentary?

[@WiseKing97]

I think the Is have it

[@atothek302]

No please. No marc Jackson

[@enriquedelance6746]

No Jeff he’s annoying

[@mikevickilovedogs]

No shut up they suck

[@Ronniedonny1]

I’m sayin!

[@MindfulAttraction2.0]

it's always his last chance!!!! this dude just doesn't go away haunting unsuspecting fan bases

[@jamesrippy1161]

Three 3-1 leads blown. Four 3-2 leads blown. 10 game 7’s lost. Has not coached a team to a conference finals since 2012. Has not coached a team to the NBA Finals since 2010. Why would anyone “believe” or trust Doc Rivers as a head coach?

[@PastaGirl-yn4tx]

❤sc😮uu😊 0:16

[@Fei-vm8xw]

Would you prefer the inexperienced assistant?

[@nohoneynomoney7072]

No he got four 3-1 lead blown😂 2003 magic vs piston Clippers twice 76er one We are witnessing another one this year🎉🎉🎉

[@StrygwyrBS]

​@@Fei-vm8xw better than an experienced choker

[@h2owl205]

@@nohoneynomoney7072the sixers never blew a 3-1 series lead under doc rivers. When they lost to Atlanta, they were only ever up 2-1. When they lost to Miami, they never lead the series. When they lost to Boston, they only had a 3-2 lead. Literally just google it.

[@ErickP3768]

Doc Rivers is the NBA version of Mike Mccarthy

[@ChairmanMo]

People called Mike McCarthy the Doc Rivers of the NFL....ahahahhhahahahaha!

[@moneymakerstv9796]

No he's the Shawn Payton

[@imentekpere6802]

Or Brian Billick... LOL

[@lilosch]

You could say he is the NBA version of Melissa McCarthy aswell, multiple flops and bad reviews but somehow keeps getting more opportunities.

[@KingDarius66]

Id say a more favorable comparison would be the Jeff Fisher of the NBA

[@methedmann]

Should've apologized to coach Bud and brought him back lol

[@wlbw1]

Wish I could like this twice

[@pantelisliakos2481]

He wouldn't come...

[@colewrld901]

Yeah yeah yeah sure it is. Philly was supposed to be his last chance 🤣 Doc is always gonna weasel himself into a new head coaching job

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

WHAT? Didn't they TANK for a decade, then hired Doc and was one Kahwi crazy bounce for making the Finals?

[@Lucky09177]

Doc didn't coach the 2018 76ers plus that lucky bounce got the raptors to the ecf and 76ers would've had a tough time vs the bucks​@@emmanuelenyinwa1443

[@rods0376]

Are you slow? Doc was coaching the clippers that year.

[@revealingtruth3329]

@@emmanuelenyinwa1443That was with Brett Brown

[@MARZOSIRUS]

Unfortunately I agree its true. If Lakers fire what's his face in a couple years and Doc gets fired from Bucks Lakers will give Doc a chance. However I actually think Giannis, Dame and Doc is a good fit.

[@r.m.90]

I love Bob Myers insight.

[@BlkDiesel]

I have NEVER seen a coach MILK 1 championship in 25 years, and that championship was 15 years ago by the way, coached the most STARS in NBA history, lost more 3-1, 3-2 leads in playoff history, and STILL be first in line to coach stars after being FIRED for not producing than...DOC RIVERS! Mark Jackson has to be at home saying to himself: "God what did I do to deserve this, I haven't gotten a coaching call in 10 years?" Welcome to the upside down world people! Carry On...

[@ike.o6944]

Facts💯

[@christiankarlkarganilla2763]

Closest thing is Mike McCarthy milking his sole SB for 17 years.

[@firstnamelastname9215]

He getting that paperrrr

[@petersteel8021]

khm.. Rick Carlisle

[@MiguelSosa-oo6ww]

Boston Celtics championship was like 16 years ago actually

[@guessthelogo]

The agent for Doc needs a raise. This is crazy. It's crazy to be a 25-year coaching veteran with just one chip and ongoing employment consideration.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

Weird attempt at hijacking a reply but you do you

[@user-ub3cb6th7g]

well you got to keep winning to get paid he has gone threw alot of teams

[@ashleynathan4474]

25 yrs and 11 top 75 players and won only once lol

[@leroiken9856]

Why steal comments that's so weird

[@leroiken9856]

And pathetic

[@RizFrmDa6]

Bob Myers did a great job on his commentary during this dialogue, hopefully they keep him around. ESPN needs new voices.

[@matthewlws86]

Nah man he had so many last chances bro this is ridiculous. I rather take a chance on mark Jackson

[@Dreamsareareality]

He has 9 lives × 9 x 9 lolllll

[@dkms1234]

He is lucky having all his teams are stars and on their prime, if he coaches pistons and turns them to a playoff team then he’s is good

[@Rivalry22]

Ya'll be surprised! Doc Rivers knew now what to do comes playoffs.. if Bucks are up 2-1 in a series.. he will intentionally lose Game 4 to not have a 3-1 lead. And if Bucks are down 2-3, he will make it sure they'll lose Game 6. that simple huh?

[@lakersin556]

Get that check Doc. Milk them for all you can.

[@mzx380]

Doc has done the definition of a miserable job in every stop since BOS

[@reallll2778]

How when the players on the clippers team said it was a chemistry issue for the reason they didn’t win? How when Ben Simmons and James harden have proven to be hard to coach? I think he’s a good coach and I think he’ll do great as the bucks coach.

[@bigdeddy7187]

@@reallll2778lying but ok. How he a good Coach, he not even top 10 all time,

[@thekingbradable]

I think he gets too much blame for the PHI situation. Ben Simmons all of a sudden decided he didn’t want to play, and James just quit on the team

[@sportschool3537]

@@bigdeddy7187 How many teams have a top 10 coach all time around the league? San Antonio, Golden State and Miami... that's it... the list ends there... Doc is a good coach that has taken the blame for a lot of losers choking in the playoffs because he's a nice guy and always protects his players... I think he's a good choice for Milwaukee and I hope they win because it's not fair that he has taken 100% of the blame while his players have taken 0% of the blame for being losers that can't hit a big time shot to save their lives...

[@865style]

He didn't do a good job with the celtics either. He had prime Garnett, prime pierce, prime ray Allen, prime rondo and a great supporting cast. That team should of won at least 2 rings.

[@bye692001]

Maybe the panel should ask Bob Myers why Mark Jackson hasn't been mentioned as a head coach candidate in the last 10 years, just a thought.

[@jpao1834]

It's really a good gig for Doc, because Giannis + Dame aren't gonna likely to "allow" themselves to choke in a G7 of a series

[@allstarcom0615]

Incoming blown 3 -1 lead

[@drew957]

Doc on his 15th team stop giving him jobs😂😂😂😂

[@DavidOkutinyang-td4jt]

Try 5th

[@boxingandbulldogs6341]

​@@DavidOkutinyang-td4jt feels like his 15th

[@jfifthb]

can't wait to watch him blow another 3-1 lead. LAC and Philly send their regards

[@nicholasnorman4179]

Better a 3-0 lead that would be awesome

[@CodeGamer1]

It actually started when Griffin embarrassed and cursed at assistant Terry Stotts at a Bucks practice. Did it in front of the players. That’s Dames guy. Lack of professionalism and losing his players is why he’s gone.

[@muddywaters2818]

I will say in Doc’s defense at LA and Philly Doc had injury prone star players. CP3 and Blake were always hurt in the playoffs and we all know about Embiid constantly getting hurt in the playoffs. I remember at Boston he had tough defensive minded guys. I think the Bucks have his type of roster and once he goes back to there old type of defensive system they’ll be much improved. Doc might even request they trade for a defensive guard too.

[@abdirahmanhassan1848]

nah thats revisionist history he has had multiple collapses where none of his star players were injured and choked

[@Flameb0]

theres no defense for the way he has gotten on national television and dissed his own players. he's a clown

[@kobebryant24861]

Thats BS doc is a terrible coach

[@petersteel8021]

That was also his foul. He was against resting and limiting playing time so their star players were gassed out in the playoffs and injured themselves. It wasn't bad luck he just likes to using up his stars.

[@Herbalizer28]

Didn't they fire DOC from Philly because Harden didn't like him ?!..just before Harden turned on Philly and ask to be traded ?

[@jamesgarcia743]

Why doesn’t Mark Jackson get at least one more chance? He must be saying no because this makes no sense.

[@user-rn9co7jc4t]

Bc no one in the NBA circles like hom

[@montebelloca1146]

Clippers need more action on there CENTER and different ball game with this team

[@pee_boogie7934]

Weird how when the Bucks fire a second coach in a year they say its the GM and management. Last year when Brooklyn fired Steve Nash the same people said it KD s fault. Why are some players held at a different standard than others. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Q2GLObalWatchin]

Dey be protecting giannis

[@CarbonEzi7]

Doc has under achieved with the players he’s had that being said he may be the fuel they need, a coach just as hungry to win with superstars having the exact same appetite or better

[@gongshowjimmy557]

I thought last time was his last chance? NBA execs are stupid and clueless. There will always be opportunities for bad coaches to get paid in this league.

[@dkms1234]

He is lucky having all his teams are stars and on their prime

[@Fei-vm8xw]

Yes Men like Doc will always have a job

[@RickCT2000]

Good analysis. Steven A had a real inside assessment based on what the Greek Freak was telling him - “ we’re lost”. That’s on the coach.

[@Dayday_1996]

Doc must have dirt or some incriminating photos on someone in the offices 😂

[@ChairmanMo]

The NBA Chapter of the Epstein Flight Log and List.

[@Djneyon79]

Nice to see wilburn

[@gtiz8460]

The Doc is back

[@zayswag2672]

NBA need entertaining coach like doc obvious that’s a part of why he is back

[@bryanstarke2931]

He definitely never "coached" Ewing during those years lol

[@Ewabound571]

Doc “I always have an excuse” Rivers

[@a.hahnnn]

The only reason the Bucks hired Doc Rivers, despite only winning one championship and of course his record isn't the greatest either, is mainly because of his coaching experience. Just like what they were saying, his experience with all stars is definitely up there and they believe he can use that experience to take them to a championship

[@michaelsherron5750]

He won't. That's why we fans of the other Eastern Conference Teams feel less threatened by the Bucks with Doc at the Helm. KNICKS fan here.

[@JuustDeon]

11 of 75 with ONE CHIP ! Is crazy

[@junkjams596]

As a bucks fan, ill see everyone in another 50 years when we're contenders again.

[@Haddonfield63]

They knew about the learning curve when they hired him.

[@fortunehunter2224]

I could coach dame and Giannis too

[@Knickerbocker7]

They said it. He was the best available person to coach.

[@ufailowell]

easiest schedule shot by woj was crazy

[@AlexAlex22023]

Ya needa get over Doc he won ONE 1 🏆 in Boston but what has he done since?? This is 2024 baby !!

[@Dezieveece]

ESPN knows what they're doing. Look at that panel of seasoned professionals on that desk. They know this serious business, and Doc will be under serious pressure!

[@kernpropertymanagement7338]

Woj is clutch man!!! Remember back in the day we wouldn't get this much transparency. THANKS ESPN!

[@McYates24]

he's the GOAT of under-performing with loaded teams and the choke god

[@reggiefurlow1]

He played with the other players in the top 75 too

[@gogz1981]

that one chip is taking him a long ways

[@kford6643]

Just 😂😂😂😂😂,, that’s all I got

[@SuperMt24]

UPDATE: Austin Rivers signs to bucks for minimum 😂

[@dominiquelane6329]

They gave Doc a head start lol

[@kford6643]

I can’t wait to see how this ends. This is the literal definition of insanity 😂

[@MellyMel2TimesProductions]

Do or die time for Doc Rivers

[@duffman1876]

Thank you Uncle Mike! This is on...GIANNIS!!🤷🏽‍♂️🍻🍺

[@JC-vk6ii]

This hire makes the most sense, as much as l dont agree with how they made him feel that he would be around was wrong. But yeah Doc is a better fit

[@lightschunk]

I like this hire. Go bucks!

[@omariwindom1826]

This is it for doc!!!! Aa a diehard knicks, they are coming!!!!! April can't come fast enough!!!

[@DonGivani]

Motion picture "Mission Impossible" starring Glenn 'Doc' Rivers

[@montebelloca1146]

Mark Jackson built the warriors and somebody else got credit. Because they didn't want to renew his contract.

[@Keepitpush99]

That's only part of the story. The speculation is it had a lot to do with his religious background. Which has nothing to do with the game

[@remingtonporter1734]

Respectfully... Let's stop that narrative of; "Mark Jackson built the Warriors". The same Coach who thought that Steph & Klay shooting long range 3pt shots was not conducive to winning. Same Mark Jackson who failed to play to Draymond Green's strengths.

[@MrE_]

Let's stop mentioning that guy. He ain't a head coach and hasn't been a coach for a while

[@lemini4k]

For Doc to be successful he needs to run pick and roll plays like a mad man for Dame & Giannis. Giannis is going to have to sacrifice something for it to work on the floor with the team and Doc.

[@Compoundingisking]

Jerry Sloan, George Karl, Stan Van Grundy, Flip Sanders, Mike Dantoni. Never won a ring and no one ever complain about them getting a job. These coaches are considered great coaches. I wonder why

[@vson]

That man needs Rondo, and become a consultant once again

[@heyitsmedammit]

How they whiffed on Nurse is insane

[@montebelloca1146]

Somethings just speaks for themselves

[@WhipLashOG]

Mike brown or Tom thibadou is the bucks perfect fits

[@burls7117]

“Doc rivers was their trade deadline improvement” 💀💀💀😅

[@SojiRo23]

lol We’ve had this conversation already. Wasn’t his last chance then, not his last chance now.

[@montebelloca1146]

Doc rivers should coach the Sun

[@javelldunn3379]

If Doc Rivers brings the title with the Bucks I be happy and shocked

[@jonesy302]

Doc is the Phillip Rivers of the NBA

[@DA-MAGIC517]

💯💯

[@delrickturner6309]

Crazy how Stephen A says this Doc last chance, but Belichick can go to any team and fix it

[@thinlion01]

Stephen A and Perk has kept Doc employed for years

[@khari83637]

I think doc as coach is brilliant. Doc was already a consultant so he already understands what they want and now he be the fall guy for Giannis to run the show. like wilbon said doc knows how to coach stars all he has to do now is trust giannis and get them to a game 7. I disagree with idea that this would be doc last coach job is he “fails” w bucks, perhaps last coach job with contenders.

[@Ghyll]

"Brings a lot of playoff experience". A lot of choking experience you mean Woj

[@drewmeyer9679]

I like Doc he’s always been professional. But it seems likes he’s always getting chances despite having title contending rosters. However A lot of the players down show up during games and let Doc down.

[@dkms1234]

He is lucky having all his teams are stars and on their prime, if he coaches pistons and turns them to a playoff team then he’s is good

[@vinuoliapuram3083]

Every mans fear when Malika mentions "tracking records" Glad she came with relevant Basketball stuff.

[@grumpygrant4537]

Well see. Idk if coaching can fix this bucks defense. I like the idea of a more experienced coach in Milwaukee. No dis to Adrian but he would be better on an up and coming team Not fit as well on a championship contender. But like I said if this bucks squad can’t get their d together , the second half of the season will look rough not to mention the playoffs

[@moneymakerstv9796]

Stop with everyone going to the Knicks we've been hearing it for 30 years

[@chenggofent2948]

They fired him AG because of most fans of Bucks always said fire him, so maybe the owners listened to the fans and feedback. But for my opinion gave him a chance one seasons and besides both problem coach and player of bucks. I’m not like doc rivers but GM owner picked him so I respect.

[@christopersambeli2823]

dont be hatin on coach choke rivers he is the goat of coaching

[@jaimemoorejr.8531]

Doc Rivers is the Mike Tomlin of coaching good season record and early playoff exits! 😂😂

[@kford6643]

Uh,, he’s definitely had way more talent to work with than Mike Tomlin. Absolutely No comparison

[@jaimemoorejr.8531]

@@kford6643 They both only have 1 title as head coach and still coaching, it’s their resume is with I’m referring to you bot! 😂🤖

[@jaimemoorejr.8531]

*what

[@justinlacas7866]

It's the championship that matters but there's more to the one championship that Doc has. He got teams to the playoffs the last 15 of 16 seasons, he is also the 9th winningest coach of all time and he simply is the best out there as of the moment. This would've been different if it was the off season where a lot more candidates are available. But he was simply the one out there who can likely drive this mid season onwards and manage their stars and entire locker room. I still think that Boston and Miami will still have their number this postseason though.

[@dkms1234]

He is lucky having all his teams are stars and on their prime, if he coaches pistons and turns them to a playoff team then he’s is good

[@fermintroncoso4614]

he has underachieved tho, his teams dont make it past the 2nd round and he has los numerous 3-1 and 3-2 leads

[@justinlacas7866]

@@fermintroncoso4614 I agree, that's why I said this wouldn't be the same outcome had it been the offseason as more choices will be available.

[@justinlacas7866]

@@dkms1234 that's true. He's always brought in to manage the stars and egos. I agree he ain't getting far with young teams like Pistons or Blazers.

[@phatmillips]

Imagine if the 76'ers, the team that just fired Doc, eliminates and/or gets further than the Bucs this year lol

[@bobbyhogo2342]

what are we going to do when the 76ers w/Nurse beat Milwaukee in the second round?

[@PWCDN]

rarely people his age learn anything substantial. People his age get paid for experience, not paid to learn.

[@carolynbarr770]

Good luck Doc my Celtic's are waiting 😁

[@RoadtoGloryNetsJetsUnited]

🤣💯SAS

[@Jricks1992]

How does doc rivers need to prove himself when he already won a championship? I’m confused

[@psanders4754]

I heard Adrian went at Gianni's brother lol. Apparently, he is committing insurance fraud.

[@justinmcglothin7422]

🍿🍿🍿

[@gordonc3600]

SAS looking out for all brothers

[@tristandavis8364]

Where Is Tmac On That List Of SuperStars Doc Rivers Coached?

[@jqpacker34]

Don’t ever fire another coach it was the managements fault for hiring Griffin earlier this season Doc Rivers is a good coach

[@LonghornsLegend]

Where can I go bet on the Bucks toose a 3-2 series lesd in game 7? Man espn gonna be hilarious that next morning 😅

[@KingDarius66]

Ive never known of a coach in the NBA who has serially done less with more than Doc Rivers!

[@scruffd0g193]

Doc Rivers getting another job, I really thought Philly was it for him.