Doc Rivers is out as head coach of 76ers

Doc Rivers, the veteran head coach, finds himself without a job once again. The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly fired him following a disappointing game seven playoff loss against the Boston Celtics, according to the New York Post. Despite leading the team to the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the 76ers fell short in all three series, culminating in a demoralizing 112-88 defeat.

Daryl Morey, the President of Basketball Operations for the 76ers, took to Twitter to share a statement about the organization’s decision to part ways with Rivers. Morey expressed gratitude for Rivers’ leadership, recognizing him as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer. “We’re grateful for all he did in his three seasons here,” Morey stated.

Speculation about Rivers’ firing had been circulating, fueled in part by an ESPN analyst’s suggestion that James Harden might hesitate to return to Philadelphia if Rivers remained in charge, as reported by Bleacher Report. Rivers joined the 76ers after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020 and had signed a lucrative five-year, $40 million contract. Initially, things seemed promising under his guidance, with the team boasting a solid 49-23 record in his first season and securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Despite the blowout loss on Sunday, Rivers maintained optimism about his future as the head coach of the 76ers. When asked if he believed he would retain his job, he replied that he thought he had two years left. Acknowledging the volatile nature of the coaching profession, he added, “No one is safe in our business, and I get that.” Harden, however, offered a more reserved response when questioned about his relationship with Rivers, simply stating, “Uh, our relationship is okay,” according to the NY Post.

Rumors have been swirling that Harden might consider a return to the Houston Rockets during the offseason.

Unfortunately, Rivers now joins the growing list of Black NBA coaches who have lost their jobs during the playoffs. Sam Cassell and Monty Williams were recently fired from their respective teams, highlighting a concerning trend in the league.