Bucks Zone

Damian Lillard believes Doc Rivers is the perfect fit for this Milwaukee Bucks team: "If you want to reach the level that we want to reach"

Dame believes they’ve got the perfect coach to handle the Bucks.

Jonas Panerio

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As Glenn "Doc" Rivers takes over the head coaching reins of the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard is confident the experience the former Coach of the Year and NBA champion has will bring the best out of himself and the rest of his teammates.

Strong voice

Doc has been around a lot of stars in his coaching career. From coaching the Boston Celtics' "Big 3" of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce to the 2008 title to the "Lob City" Los Angeles Clippers to the Joel Embiid-led Philadelphia 76ers, Doc knows how to manage big personalities and get them to work together towards a common goal.

That's precisely what Damian Lillard believes the Bucks need right now. With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton and veteran players like Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez, the team is brimming with talent but has yet to reach its full potential this season.

"I just think his voice, how he's able to motivate teams, he's a strong voice. And he's going to demand more from our team. He's not going to be afraid to challenge myself. He's not going to be afraid to challenge Giannis. He's not going to be afraid to challenge Brook (Lopez) and Khris (Middleton). And all the way down the line," Lillard said.

Veteran savvy

Doc has been around in the NBA for a long time, on the court or the sidelines, and has encountered nearly every situation. Simply put, nothing fazes the veteran coach—including the Bucks' head coaching position, which entails a lot of pressure and high expectations. Doc's experience has prepared him for this role, and he knows how to push each player to reach their full potential.

"We've heard his voice, him coaching other teams. We know he's had success. He played in this league. He went to school in this city. He's been around a long time as a coach. He's coached a lot of great players. You would have a hard time thinking of something that he hasn't experienced in this league, from playing to coaching to talking about the game being on all these different broadcasts," Lillard quipped.

"So, it's nothing that he hasn't experienced. And so, I think when you're dealing with a team that's full of vets and as talented as we are, I think that's something that you need if you want to reach the level that we want to reach. And I think he's the perfect person for it."

"I wouldn't wish this on anyone" – Doc Rivers on taking over a team past the halfway point of the season

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO