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[Saba Sports News] Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck recently disclosed his involvement in the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to hire Doc Rivers as their new head coach. Speaking on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” Grousbeck shared that the Bucks sought his opinion on Rivers, emphasizing the crucial role Rivers played in leading the Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship. Grousbeck’s endorsement reflects Rivers’ significant impact on the Celtics and his personal regard for the coach.
“I love Doc,” Grousbeck said. “I got a reference call on Doc from the Bucks. Truthfully, I made a truthful statement, of course. I said we would not have won it in 2008 without Doc. He took that team, molded it together and led the way. He had a ton to do with the championship, and he’s always going to be very special. Very special friend of mine.”
This interaction is particularly noteworthy given the competitive rivalry between the Bucks and Celtics, two top contenders in the Eastern Conference. The move to consult a rival team’s owner about a coaching decision underscores the respect and professional rapport within the league, despite Rivers having been away from the Celtics since the 2012-13 season.
Despite Rivers’ celebrated tenure with the Celtics, his coaching reputation has faced scrutiny over the years, primarily due to a series of less successful playoff runs. This backdrop adds context to his recent hiring by the Bucks, who have experienced a challenging start under Rivers, going 3-7 in their first ten games. Rivers’ early criticism of his new team highlights the ongoing adjustments and challenges faced in this new chapter with the Bucks.