Doc Rivers explains Bucks' rotation wrinkle as spontaneous decision 4 Apr 6, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Doc Rivers explains Bucks’ rotation wrinkle as spontaneous decision

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 2:48 PM ET

Friday night against the Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris played more minutes than he had in the first 12 games combined. Inserted for his shot making and toughness, he went 4-5 from the field for 10 points, knocked down a pair of threes, and came up with a steal plus two blocks.

What went into the decision to finally play him? According to Doc Rivers, it just kind of happened.

Deploying Harris was an in-the-moment maneuver

“I hadn’t decided I was playing Gary Harris, no matter what,” Rivers said postgame. “I just thought, we’re looking at guys and I kept thinking, ‘Man, I know he can defend and he has a high IQ. He’ll find ways to get shots,’ and he did that. Our rotations got messed up because of the fouls and the extended minutes in the first half, but I liked it overall.”

In Milwaukee’s 147-134 overtime victory, Harris got his most burn in the second and fourth quarters. He didn’t make much of an impact in the extra period, taking the court for all of nine seconds, but he was an important factor in getting there. With Taurean Prince injured, Gary Trent Jr. benched, and Amir Coffey shelved, the Bucks have sought effective wing play all season. For a night at least, Harris met that need.

In theory, that’s what the Bucks brought him in to do when they gave him a two-year contract in free agency. In reality, Harris has been more of a veteran presence and cheerleader. To his credit – and an example of his mindset as a 12-year pro – Harris stayed ready during the first 12 games, when he only touched the floor in garbage time. After last night, perhaps Rivers will increase his role. If no one else steps up, the Bucks will need him.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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