76ers president: Joel Embiid 'shocked' by Doc Rivers firing
Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey told reporters Wednesday that MVP center Joel Embiid was "shocked" by the team's decision to fire Doc Rivers.
The Sixers announced the Rivers news on Tuesday, two days after they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Philadelphia held a 3-2 series edge before the Celtics won Game 6 on the road and routed the 76ers in Game 7 behind a record-breaking 51-point performance by Jayson Tatum.
Rivers lasted three seasons with the Sixers, all of which ended in second-round playoff exits.
Despite some cautious optimism by fans due to a core of Embiid, former MVP James Harden and rising star Tyrese Maxey, many remained hesitant to buy into championship aspirations due to Rivers' spot at the helm (and the team's recent playoff history). Sunday was the former Boston coach's fifth consecutive Game 7 defeat and his 10th Game 7 loss overall.
Rivers hasn't made it past the conference semifinals since 2012 and his only title came in 2008 with the Celtics, behind a big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
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