JJ Redick Slams Bucks Coach Doc Rivers: “Always Making Excuses”
In a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, JJ Redick didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing his former coach, Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks. Redick accused Rivers of constantly making excuses and lacking accountability. According to Redick, Rivers always throws his team under the bus and never takes responsibility for their shortcomings.
During the show, Stephen A. Smith also weighed in on Redick’s comments, stating that they should be taken seriously because Redick played for Rivers. Smith went on to say that Rivers needs to focus on coaching and that if he fails to win a championship this season or the next, it could be his last coaching job.
Rivers himself addressed the situation during a press conference over All-Star weekend. He admitted that taking the job in the middle of a tough road trip was not the smartest decision and expressed his desire for more time to prepare. Rivers recently coached the Eastern Conference team in the All-Star Game on February 18.
Since taking over as head coach of the Bucks, Rivers has struggled to achieve the desired results. The team has gone 3-7 under his leadership, including a disappointing loss to the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies. Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo also voiced his frustrations, mentioning the difficulties of adjusting to different coaches and game plans.
Currently sitting at third place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 35-21, the Bucks face a challenging schedule for the remainder of the season. Their opponents have a combined winning percentage of .534, making it one of the toughest schedules in the league. The team will return to action against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 23.
While the season has been tough for the Bucks, the All-Star break brought success for Rivers, Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard. Lillard won the NBA Starry 3-Point Contest, becoming the first repeat winner of the competition since 2007 and 2008.
In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Damian Lillard emerged as the MVP of the All-Star game. With an impressive performance, Lillard scored an incredible 39 points, along with 3 rebounds and 6 assists. His contribution to the game was undeniable, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players. On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a commendable showing, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The game itself was a high-scoring affair, with the Eastern Conference All-Stars ultimately emerging victorious over their Western Conference counterparts. The final score of 211-186 shattered previous records for the most points scored in a single All-Star game. However, despite the impressive numbers, the lack of competitiveness throughout the game left many fans disappointed.
In a surprising turn of events, Doc Rivers took over coaching duties for the All-Star game after Adrian Griffin was fired. Despite the circumstances, Rivers displayed true sportsmanship by announcing that he would be passing on his All-Star ring and game check to Griffin. This gesture of respect and solidarity highlights the camaraderie and mutual support within the coaching community.
The All-Star game was certainly a memorable event, showcasing the incredible talent and skills of the NBA’s finest players. With Lillard’s MVP performance and the record-breaking score, fans were treated to an exciting display of basketball prowess. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how these standout players will continue to make their mark on the league.
According to the Source heavy.com