Doc Rivers shares emotional statement after leaving the Bucks

For the first time in his coaching career, Doc Rivers finished a season with a losing record.

Now, after a little more than two seasons, the 2008 NBA champion coach has stepped down from his position.

Rivers took the reins of the Milwaukee Bucks January 2024, coaching them to a 17-19 mark after replacing Adrian Griffin, who was inexplicably fired after a 30-13 start to the season.

Following his departure, he shared an emotional message through the Bucks' social media accounts.

Doc Rivers is thankful and disappointed with his time in Milwaukee 

“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers said. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but l am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart.”

With Rivers at the helm, the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the first round of the playoffs in 2024. Then, after winning 48 games last season, they fell to the Pacers again, this time in five games. Then Bucks then finished this season with a 32-50 record. 

All in all, the Hall of Fame coach left Milwaukee with a 97-103 regular-season mark and a 3-8 playoff record in what might go down as the most disappointing tenure of his coaching trajectory, especially given the caliber of talent he had with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.