© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
"I wouldn't wish this on anyone" – Doc Rivers on taking over a team past the halfway point of the season
Doc Rivers knew what he was getting himself into when he agreed to become the Milwaukee Bucks' new head coach, taking over from the ousted Adrian Griffin. Although the Bucks hold a pristine 32-14 record, making them one of the best teams in the NBA this season, the team's decision-makers weren't convinced that Griffin had what it takes to lead them to a second championship in the last four years.
Rivers, who won an NBA title 16 years ago, has always been known as a coach who can turn things around. But taking over a team past the season's halfway point is no easy task.
Daunting task
A lot goes into a team's preparation for a potential run at an NBA title. It all starts in training camp, where coaches and players work on building chemistry, implementing new systems, and getting in shape for the grueling 82-game season. It continues throughout the season with practices, film sessions, and game planning for specific opponents.
But the dynamic is changed drastically when a new coach comes in midway through the season. The team has to adjust to a new voice, strategies, and dynamic in the locker room. It's like starting from scratch in the middle of a race. This is the daunting task facing Rivers as he takes over as head coach of the Clippers. But rather than being intimidated by it, he is embracing the challenge.
"I've never done this. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, I can tell you that, just from the day and a half. But it's going to be a challenge," Doc said.
"It's a challenge that I'm running towards. We've got to get organized quickly. Can't try to do too much too soon. We're in the middle of a season, so we've got to try to keep our rhythm. There are changes that we have to make; there's no doubt about that. We'll start working on it immediately."
Tough road ahead
The Bucks have a challenging stretch of games ahead wherein four of the five teams they play next are hunting for spots in the NBA Playoffs. On Monday, they begin with a match against the reigning champions, Denver Nuggets, followed by tiffs against Portland, Dallas, Utah, and Phoenix. Doc knows how challenging this road trip will be and joked that he should have taken the job after this stretch.
"It's interesting. I looked at our calendar. I should have waited until after the all-star break. This is a tough stretch. But that's good too. I always say good. I don't ever say bad. I do. Rex (Kalamian, incoming assistant) back there, first thing, 'Did you see the teams we're playing?' I said, 'Good. Let's bring it on. Let's get it on,'" Doc said.
Regardless of the outcomes of these games, Rivers is confident that this would help them become a better squad heading to the crucial All-Star break.
"If we win them all, great. If we struggle, great, it doesn't matter. Our goal is to be great by the end of the year. But the biggest part of the schedule is that probably three or four practice days left in the season, good days. So we're going to have to do shootarounds. We're going to have to do things a little different."
