Bucks Zone

Doc Rivers empathizes with the players as the trade deadline nears: "It's a tough stretch"

The trade deadline can be rough on NBA players.

Jonas Panerio

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The trade deadline is an exciting time in the NBA—the rumor mill is in full swing, and teams' front offices are scrambling to evaluate players and complete transactions to improve their rosters. But for players, it can also be stressful and uncertain as they face the possibility of being traded away from their current team.

Doc Rivers, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, knows this well. With the trade deadline approaching, he empathizes with his players who may be anxious about their futures.

Uncertain times

It's almost certain that the Bucks' prolific core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton aren't going anywhere at the deadline on February 8. However, the same can't be said for the other players on the roster, especially those whose names have been mentioned in trade rumors. This includes veterans like Pat Connaugton and Bobby Portis and young studs such as MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr.

For Rivers, it's critical for him and his staff to ascertain who's most affected by the rumors and keep them in a good frame of mind. He understands that for these players, it's not just about basketball but also their livelihoods and families.

"Obviously, with the deadline coming up, I hate the deadline as a coach because some players are nervous and some players aren't. And you gotta try to figure out because everyone—it's like when you come in a huddle, and you ask a player which way you wanna go, 100% are going to say I can go either way," Rivers said.

Tough stretch

As luxurious as the NBA may seem from the outside, it can also be a ruthless business. Rumors and speculation can take a toll on players who are the subject of trade talks or team changes. As a coach, it is vital to focus on the Xs and Os of the game and be aware of the players' mental and emotional state. Rivers, who has been at the helm of the Bucks for only a week, added he's still trying to get the team's pulse.

"I don't know the guys, and so I'm trying to figure out who is it affecting? And, they all say 'I'm good,' but you know that's not true," Rivers added.

"It's a tough stretch. The whole league goes through it. I'm very happy the day after 'cause now you know who you have."

Doc Rivers says the five-game road trip 'was brutal' for the Milwaukee Bucks

Published
Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO