Here's Why Doc Rivers Could Rejoin Boston Celtics as Head Coach

When a franchise with high expectations fails to win a championship, fingers start pointing towards the head coach. Despite winning 45+ games during the

© Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

When a franchise with high expectations fails to win a championship, fingers start pointing towards the head coach. Despite winning 45+ games during the 2022-2023 regular season, Doc Rivers, Monty Williams, and Mike Budenholzer were fired from their positions.

Though the Boston Celtics forced a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals after being in a 3-0 hole to the Miami Heat, this was a shortcoming. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index predicted the Celtics had a 97% chance to win the series.

Boston’s failure to reach the NBA Finals puts Joe Mazzulla on the chopping block, more so than players and other staff. There has been no shortage of criticism for the inexperienced Mazzulla, who is the youngest head coach in the NBA.

As an anticipated favorite to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy next season, Boston’s management may prefer to replace Mazzulla with a veteran presence. That would put Doc Rivers as the leading candidate.

Rivers previously coached the Celtics from 2004 to 2013, an era predominated by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. The trio, coached by Rivers, won an NBA championship in 2008.

The 61-year-old has been honored for his impact on the sidelines. For their 75th anniversary, the NBA named Rivers one of the ‘15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History’.

Currently, Mazzulla is expected to continue as head coach of the Celtics. 

Further Reading

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