Doc Rivers came to Milwaukee in a surprising move a couple of years ago and has steadily become a key figure in the organization.
The Bucks have only one full season under their belts with Rivers at the helm, but the legendary coach has already made a big impression. Finding the right guy to coach Giannis Antetokounmpo and company is no easy task, but Bucks GM Jon Horst seems to believe he found his man.
In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Horst admitted that he and Rivers had little to no relationship before he was hired, but it appears their relationship has blossomed over the past couple of years. With both having similar views on how to run the team, it has been a seamless fit, even if the results haven’t been ideal.
“He is a great partner in that he’ll have any tough conversation that you need to have with a player or players, and I think that’s essential in this business,” Horst said. “And it gives you a real chance to win when stuff gets tough.”
Even beyond the partnership that Rivers has forged with Horst over the past two seasons, Milwaukee truly believes that its coach is capable of taking it to the next level. With Antetokounmpo still leading the way and seemingly having a good relationship with Rivers, the team has high hopes moving forward.
Throughout Rivers’ recent stops with the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers, there has been immense criticism about his ability to take a team to the next level. Despite all the noise, Horst believes that Rivers’ title-winning performance in 2008 in Boston was no fluke and that he can help the Bucks reach their ultimate goals.
“I think the reason why I still love working with Doc and I’m excited to work with Doc is because I think we have a chance to win with Doc,” Horst said. “I think he’s a championship-level coach. He’s the right coach to get us to where we want to go.”
