Career Timeline of Doc Rivers: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Doc Rivers built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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: 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.

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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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.

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 27, 2014: New Contract with Clippers

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

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.

July 10, 2019: Clippers Signed Kawhi Leonard

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

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.

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: 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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