History of Doc Rivers in Timeline

Glenn Anton "Doc" Rivers is an American professional basketball coach, currently the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. Prior to coaching, Rivers had a 14-year career as an NBA player, earning an All-Star selection. Notably, he has been recognized as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History. His career encompasses achievements as both a player and a coach at the highest level of professional basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 13, 1961: Birth of Glenn Anton "Doc" Rivers

On October 13, 1961, Glenn Anton "Doc" Rivers, later known as a professional basketball coach and former player in the NBA, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1982: FIBA World Championship

In 1982, Doc Rivers played for the United States national team during the FIBA World Championship in Colombia and was named the tournament's MVP.

1983: Drafted by Atlanta Hawks

In 1983, Doc Rivers was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the NBA draft after playing college basketball for the Marquette Golden Eagles.

March 4, 1986: Career-High Assists

On March 4, 1986, Doc Rivers recorded a career-high 21 assists in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

1986: Marriage to Kristen

In 1986, Doc Rivers married his wife Kristen, with whom he would have four children.

1988: NBA All-Star Game

In 1988, Doc Rivers played in the NBA All-Star Game.

1990: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

In 1990, Doc Rivers received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

1991: Joins Los Angeles Clippers

In 1991, Doc Rivers became a starter for the Los Angeles Clippers.

1991: Departure from the Atlanta Hawks

In 1991, Doc Rivers ended his time as point guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

1991: End of Hawks career

In 1991, Doc Rivers ended his time with the Atlanta Hawks. During this period, he played point guard for the team.

1992: Joins New York Knicks

In 1992, Doc Rivers started playing for the New York Knicks.

1994: New York Knicks Postseason Games

In 1994, Doc Rivers played for the New York Knicks team that held the previous record for most games played in a single postseason, with 25 games.

1994: Joins San Antonio Spurs

In 1994, Doc Rivers started playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

1996: Retirement from Playing and NBA on TNT

In 1996, Doc Rivers retired as a player and began calling games for the NBA on TNT.

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1996: Retirement from NBA

In 1996, Doc Rivers retired from the NBA after playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

1999: Began Coaching Career

In 1999, Doc Rivers began his NBA coaching career with the Orlando Magic.

1999: Begins Coaching Career with Orlando Magic

In 1999, Doc Rivers began his coaching career with the Orlando Magic.

1999: Joins Orlando Magic as Head Coach

In 1999, after calling games for the NBA on TNT, Rivers joined the Orlando Magic as head coach.

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2000: Attempted "Big Three" Team Assembly

During the summer of 2000, Doc Rivers tried to assemble a "Big Three" team with the Magic by courting free agent Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady, but Duncan re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

2000: NBA Coach of the Year

In 2000, Doc Rivers was named the NBA Coach of the Year in his first season with the Orlando Magic.

2003: Departure from Orlando Magic

In 2003, Doc Rivers ended his tenure as the head coach of the Orlando Magic.

2003: Fired by the Orlando Magic

In 2003, Doc Rivers was fired from his position as head coach of the Orlando Magic, marking a significant challenge in his coaching career.

2004: Head Coach of Boston Celtics

In 2004, Doc Rivers became the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

2004: NBA Finals Coverage

In 2004, Doc Rivers joined ESPN/ABC's NBA coverage team, providing commentary for regular season games and the NBA Finals alongside Brad Nessler and Al Michaels.

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2006: Criticism of Coaching Style

In 2006, Doc Rivers faced criticism for his coaching style, with Bill Simmons publicly calling for him to be fired.

January 21, 2008: Earns Honor to Coach East for 2008 NBA All-Star Game

On January 21, 2008, Doc Rivers earned the honor to coach the East for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans after the Celtics' victory over the New York Knicks.

June 17, 2008: NBA Championship as Head Coach

On June 17, 2008, Doc Rivers won his first NBA Championship as a head coach after the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

2008: NBA Championship with Celtics

In 2008, Doc Rivers won an NBA championship as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

2009: Recruits John Smoltz to Red Sox

In 2009, Doc Rivers was credited with helping to convince MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz to sign with the Boston Red Sox, while Rivers was coaching the Boston Celtics.

2010: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2010, Doc Rivers led the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.

May 13, 2011: Contract Extension with Celtics

On May 13, 2011, Doc Rivers agreed to a 5-year contract extension worth $35 million with the Celtics.

February 6, 2013: 400th Win with Celtics

On February 6, 2013, Doc Rivers achieved his 400th win with the Celtics in a victory over the Toronto Raptors.

June 25, 2013: Acquired by Los Angeles Clippers

On June 25, 2013, Doc Rivers was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers from the Celtics and became the senior vice president of basketball operations.

2013: Head Coach of Los Angeles Clippers

In 2013, Doc Rivers became the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

June 16, 2014: Promotion to President of Basketball Operations

On June 16, 2014, Doc Rivers was promoted to president of basketball operations for the Clippers, while continuing his head coaching duties.

August 12, 2014: Team Sold to Steve Ballmer

On August 12, 2014, the Clippers were sold to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion, and Doc Rivers remained with the team after NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life, compelling him to sell the team, due to racially insensitive remarks.

August 27, 2014: New Contract with Clippers

On August 27, 2014, Doc Rivers signed a new five-year contract with the Clippers.

January 16, 2015: Coached Son Austin Rivers

On January 16, 2015, Doc Rivers became the first NBA coach to coach his own son, Austin Rivers.

2015: First Round Draft Pick

In 2015, The Los Angeles Clippers had an unprotected first-round draft pick.

August 4, 2017: Steps Down as President of Basketball Operations

On August 4, 2017, Doc Rivers gave up his post as president of basketball operations for the Clippers.

May 23, 2018: Contract Extension with Clippers

On May 23, 2018, Doc Rivers and the Clippers agreed to a contract extension.

June 26, 2018: Austin Rivers Traded

On June 26, 2018, Austin Rivers was traded to the Washington Wizards for Marcin Gortat.

May 31, 2019: Anti-Tampering Fine

On May 31, 2019, Doc Rivers made comments about Kawhi Leonard that led to the Clippers being fined $50,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rule.

July 10, 2019: Clippers Signed Kawhi Leonard

On July 10, 2019, The Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year contract.

November 8, 2019: 900th Win as Head Coach

On November 8, 2019, Doc Rivers earned his 900th win as a head coach after the Clippers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers.

2019: Divorce from Kristen

In 2019, Doc Rivers and his wife Kristen divorced, ending their marriage.

September 28, 2020: Resignation from Clippers

On September 28, 2020, Doc Rivers stepped down as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers following their defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

October 3, 2020: Hired as Head Coach of Philadelphia 76ers

On October 3, 2020, Doc Rivers was hired as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

2020: Head Coach of Philadelphia 76ers

In 2020, Doc Rivers became the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

May 14, 2023: 76ers Lost to Celtics

On May 14, 2023, the 76ers lost the conference semifinals series to the Celtics.

December 2023: Informal Consultant

In December 2023, Doc Rivers began serving as an informal consultant to Milwaukee Bucks first-year coach Adrian Griffin.

2023: Departure from Philadelphia 76ers

In 2023, Doc Rivers ended his tenure as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

2023: Austin Rivers plays for the Timberwolves

In 2023, Doc Rivers's son, Austin Rivers, last played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, continuing the family's involvement in the NBA.

2023: Returns to ESPN/ABC and Works with TNT

In the summer of 2023, Doc Rivers rejoined the lead broadcasting team for ESPN/ABC. During the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals in 2023, he also collaborated with TNT commentators Kevin Harlan and Candace Parker.

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January 2024: Leaves ESPN to coach Milwaukee

In January 2024, Doc Rivers departed from ESPN mid-season to accept the head coaching position for the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a return to coaching.

January 26, 2024: Hired as Head Coach of Milwaukee Bucks

On January 26, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that Doc Rivers was hired as their head coach.

January 29, 2024: First Game as Bucks' Head Coach

On January 29, 2024, Doc Rivers' first game as the Milwaukee Bucks' head coach was a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

December 17, 2024: NBA Cup Victory

On December 17, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks, under Doc Rivers, won the NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being named MVP.