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The Philadelphia 76ers have serious title aspirations this postseason and they certainly have the right coach at the helm, despite his history of failing to win close-out games. Doc Rivers has a championship pedigree and is ninth all-time in wins. Nevertheless, there have been rumors swirling that the Sixers could go in a different direction if they come up short in the playoffs. Plus, the Los Angeles Lakers are also interested in Doc.
There is a belief that if Philly shook things up this offseason, Mike D'Antoni would be a potential replacement for Rivers. But, reports say Daryl Morey is committed to sticking with Doc, even though he is “intrigued” by the Lakers' job.
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Charlotte may be D'Antoni's best chance to return to the sideline in 2022. He's been a popular name floated among league personnel as a potential replacement for Doc Rivers in Philadelphia should Rivers or the Sixers decide to change direction at the conclusion of these playoffs. But despite widespread rumblings of Rivers' intrigue in the Lakers' opening, and incessant talk of Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey perhaps desiring a different play-caller, the 76ers have maintained that Rivers and team leadership remain aligned about their future together. Rivers' contract runs through 2024-25 at $8 million per season, which is a hefty price for ownership to swallow.
That is quite the contract but Rivers has done a good job with this group, despite the heavy criticism he's faced at times. If the Sixers did bow out in this round against the Miami Heat, it would be simply because Joel Embiid wasn't healthy enough. Doc is well respected in NBA circles and remains committed to Philly.
D'Antoni could be an intriguing option, but for now, Doc Rivers and the Sixers are focused on making a Finals run. The rest can be dealt with after.
