Philadelphia 76ers bring in Doc Rivers as next head coach
The Philadelphia 76ers hire Doc Rivers as their new head coach.
After dismissing Brett Brown as their head coach in August 2020, the Philadelphia 76ers hire Doc Rivers as their 25th head coach in franchise history, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Rivers’ has a five-year deal with the franchise, per Shams Charina of The Athletic.
According to Wojnarowski, Rivers connected with 76ers governors and general manager Elton Brand quickly when the two sides met on September 30, 2020. Rivers beat out Mike D’Antoni and his assistant coach from this past season Tyronn Lue for the Sixers position.
For those readers that are excited about this hire, I suggest checking out my recent article highlighting why Philly should hire Rivers. However, for those who aren’t elated by the news, then you should read Uriah Young’s recent article covering why Rivers’ shouldn’t be the 76ers’ next head coach.
Rivers has some work to do with the Sixers
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Rivers is coming into a less than ideal situation despite the star power on the Sixers roster. All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons aren’t a natural fit with each. What makes matters worse is that roster around the two young stars don’t compliment their skills.
Al Horford is the biggest culprit when it comes to Philly’s poor roster construction. Horford’s skills don’t mess with the All-Star duo despite getting a big contract last summer. Tobias Harris may not be the best fit either, especially if Rivers elects to use Simmons as a power forward. In general, the Sixers lack high volume 3-point shooters as well as players that can create for themselves and others.
The veteran head coach has to find a way to optimize his two All-Stars and the roster around them. There are going to have to be roster changes and Rivers should have some input on that moving forward if he’s going to be successful.
Next. 5 under-the-radar trade targets. dark
Hiring Rivers is a great first step for the Philadelphia 76ers, but their work changing the front office and roster is far from done.