Kevin Garnett defends Doc Rivers amid Bucks’ playoff woes

Garnett noted that Rivers has failed to match that success with the Bucks since stepping in as head coach for the 2023-24 season. The team fell in consecutive first-round series, and while various factors played a role in those losses, Garnett gave his own view on the challenges Rivers currently faces.

“I really think that it’s just because of the players. Every player can’t play for him. Every player doesn’t fit his style. Doc really is a gritty guy who wants to really defend for 48 minutes and grind you,” Garnett said via Fullcourtpass on X (formerly Twitter).

Doc Rivers’ style fit with the Bucks

The NBA icon makes a valid point. A coach’s style of play, such as Doc Rivers’, doesn’t suit every player. Success depends on each player’s commitment level and skill set, which ultimately determines how much they can contribute to the team.

Rivers, who assumed the Bucks’ head coaching role midway through the 2023–24 season, endured another rocky stretch in 2024–25, starting 2–8 before the team rebounded with eight wins in nine games to climb to 10–9 by late November.

While Garnett’s point is fair, Rivers hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since coaching the Celtics in 2010. He also hasn’t made it back to the Conference Finals since 2012 with Boston, marking a 13-year drought for the veteran coach.

Doc Rivers’ deepest runs since then were to the Conference Semifinals in 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 with the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. He has yet to guide the Bucks that far, largely because of injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2024 and Damian Lillard in 2025.

The Bucks overhauled their roster this offseason, waiving Lillard, bringing in Myles Turner and adding Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Amir Coffey to bolster both the backcourt and frontcourt. With their top players, especially Antetokounmpo, staying healthy, Milwaukee can push for a deep playoff run. If they reach the Eastern Conference Finals, Rivers could finally break his long postseason drought.