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After parting ways with the Los Angeles Clippers, new Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers admits he was ready to take a break from coaching.
However, Rivers told Sixers reporters on Monday during his introductory press conference he couldn't pass up the opportunity to coach the Sixers.
Doc Rivers said he loves coaching but "I was not just going to coach anybody. I was ready to take a break. It depended on the team that was available." He said Philadelphia was a job he just couldn't turn down based on the potential to win.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) October 5, 2020
Doc Rivers said he was ready to take a break but he would continue coaching if there was a team ready to win. "When Elton called, it was an easy get on a plane and take a look… for me was a job that you just couldn't turn down."
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) October 5, 2020
Doc Rivers coached the Clippers for seven seasons and went through a lot, both mentally and emotionally. The Chicago native has made a ton of money during his coaching career, so no one would have blamed Doc if he decided to relax with his family for a little bit.
However, Rivers said coaching a historic organization such as the Sixers is something not everyone is able to say they have done in their coaching career. Doc is motivated to bring the team back to prominence, as the franchise hasn't been to the NBA Finals since 2001.
With the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics and Clippers, Rivers went 943-681 in the regular season and 91-89 in the playoffs. Doc guided the Celtics to the 2008 title over the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won the 2000 Coach of the Year Award with the Magic.
Everyone in Philadelphia is anxious to see how Rivers is going to use All-Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the two best players on the Sixers. Fans are also curious to see if Rivers and his staff will look to trade Al Horford since the former Atlanta Hawks and Celtics All-Star was a terrible fit next to JoJo and Ben.
