Glenn Anton "Doc" Rivers is a highly accomplished figure in American professional basketball, known for his roles as both a coach and a former player. Currently serving as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, he boasts a successful history in the NBA spanning 14 seasons as a player and earning him accolades such as NBA All-Star and a place among the top 15 coaches in NBA history.
October 13, 1961: Birth of Doc Rivers
Glenn Anton "Doc" Rivers was born on October 13, 1961.
1982: Silver Medal at the FIBA World Championship
Representing the U.S. national team, Doc Rivers played in the 1982 FIBA World Championship, where the team won the silver medal.
1983: NBA Draft and Early Career
Doc Rivers was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1983, marking the beginning of his NBA career.
1983: Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and Continued Education
Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1983, Doc Rivers continued his education and graduated from Marquette while playing in the NBA.
March 4, 1986: Career-High Assists
Doc Rivers set a career-high record with 21 assists in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 4, 1986.
1986: Doc Rivers Marries Kristen Rivers
Doc Rivers married Kristen in 1986.
1988: NBA All-Star Game Appearance
Doc Rivers was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game in 1988.
1988: NBA All-Star Selection
Doc Rivers was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game in 1988.
1990: J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
Doc Rivers received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1990, recognizing his contributions to the community.
1991: Time with the Los Angeles Clippers
Doc Rivers began playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in 1991.
1991: End of Time with the Atlanta Hawks
Doc Rivers concluded his time with the Atlanta Hawks in 1991.
1991: End of Time with the Hawks
In 1991, Doc Rivers concluded his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks.
1992: Move to the New York Knicks
Doc Rivers joined the New York Knicks in 1992.
1994: Playing for the San Antonio Spurs
Doc Rivers' basketball journey led him to the San Antonio Spurs in 1994.
1994: Previous Playoff Record
Doc Rivers had been part of the New York Knicks team that held the record for the most games played in a single postseason in 1994.
1996: Retirement from Playing
Doc Rivers concluded his professional basketball playing career in 1996.
1996: Retirement from Playing
Doc Rivers retired from playing professional basketball in 1996.
1999: Coaching Debut with the Orlando Magic
Doc Rivers began his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in 1999.
1999: Start of Coaching Career with the Orlando Magic
Doc Rivers embarked on his coaching journey with the Orlando Magic in 1999.
2000: NBA Coach of the Year Award
Doc Rivers received the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2000.
2000: Attempted "Big Three" Formation
In 2000, Doc Rivers sought to create a formidable "Big Three" team for the Orlando Magic, aiming to sign Tim Duncan, but Duncan ultimately chose to stay with the San Antonio Spurs.
2000: NBA Coach of the Year Award
In 2000, Doc Rivers was honored with the NBA Coach of the Year Award.
2003: Doc Rivers Joins ESPN/ABC as NBA Analyst
After his departure from the Orlando Magic in 2003, Doc Rivers transitioned to a broadcasting career, joining ESPN/ABC as part of their NBA coverage team.
2003: Release from the Orlando Magic
Doc Rivers was released from his coaching position with the Orlando Magic in 2003 after a challenging start to the season.
2003: Departure from the Orlando Magic
In 2003, Doc Rivers was let go from his position as head coach of the Orlando Magic.
2004: Joining the Boston Celtics and Facing Criticism
After working as a commentator, Doc Rivers was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2004, a move that drew criticism from some media figures regarding his coaching approach.
2004: Joining the Boston Celtics
Doc Rivers was hired as the head coach of the Boston Celtics in 2004.
2004: Doc Rivers Covers 2004 NBA Finals
In 2004, Doc Rivers was part of the ESPN/ABC broadcast team for the NBA Finals, providing commentary and analysis for the championship series.
2006: Public Criticism from Bill Simmons
Doc Rivers faced public criticism from sportswriter Bill Simmons, who called for his dismissal in 2006.
January 21, 2008: Coaching the Eastern Conference All-Star Team
As the coach of the Eastern Conference team with the best winning percentage, Doc Rivers earned the opportunity to coach the East in the 2008 NBA All-Star Game.
June 17, 2008: First NBA Championship as Head Coach
On June 17, 2008, Doc Rivers celebrated a significant career milestone by winning his first NBA Championship as a head coach, leading the Boston Celtics to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
2008: NBA Championship Victory
Doc Rivers achieved his first NBA championship as a head coach in 2008 with the Boston Celtics.
2009: Doc Rivers Helps Recruit John Smoltz to Red Sox
In 2009, Doc Rivers played a role in persuading former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz to join the Boston Red Sox.
2010: Return to the NBA Finals and Contract Decision
Doc Rivers guided the Celtics back to the NBA Finals in 2010, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the loss, he decided to stay with the Celtics for the following season.
May 13, 2011: Contract Extension with the Celtics
Amid rumors of retirement, Doc Rivers signed a five-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics on May 13, 2011.
February 6, 2013: 400th Win with the Celtics
Doc Rivers celebrated his 400th win as the head coach of the Boston Celtics on February 6, 2013.
June 25, 2013: Joining the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Doc Rivers as their head coach on June 25, 2013.
2013: Move to the Los Angeles Clippers
In 2013, Doc Rivers joined the Los Angeles Clippers.
June 16, 2014: Promotion to President of Basketball Operations
Doc Rivers' role expanded on June 16, 2014, when he was promoted to president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers.
August 12, 2014: Clippers Ownership Change
Following racially insensitive remarks by then-Clippers owner Donald Sterling, the team was sold to Steve Ballmer on August 12, 2014. Doc Rivers continued his role with the team.
August 27, 2014: New Contract with the Clippers
Doc Rivers signed a new five-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on August 27, 2014.
January 16, 2015: Doc Rivers Coaches Son Austin Rivers
On January 16, 2015, Doc Rivers made history as the first NBA coach to coach his own son, Austin Rivers, during their time together with the Los Angeles Clippers.
2015: Franchise Record for Wins
Doc Rivers' leadership helped the Clippers achieve a franchise-record 57 wins during the 2014-2015 season.
August 4, 2017: Doc Rivers Steps Down as President of Basketball Operations
On August 4, 2017, Doc Rivers relinquished his role as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers but continued to share responsibility for basketball decisions with Lawrence Frank, the executive vice president of basketball operations.
May 23, 2018: Doc Rivers Signs Contract Extension with Clippers
Doc Rivers' commitment to the Los Angeles Clippers was solidified on May 23, 2018, when he agreed to a contract extension with the team.
June 26, 2018: Austin Rivers Traded to Washington Wizards
Austin Rivers' time playing under his father ended on June 26, 2018, when he was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Marcin Gortat.
May 31, 2019: Doc Rivers Makes Comments About Kawhi Leonard
On May 31, 2019, Doc Rivers, during an appearance on ESPN, made comments regarding Kawhi Leonard, then under contract with the Toronto Raptors, stating, "He is the most like Jordan that we've seen." This resulted in a $50,000 fine for the Clippers due to a violation of the league's anti-tampering rule.
July 10, 2019: Clippers Sign Kawhi Leonard
On July 10, 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year contract.
November 8, 2019: Doc Rivers Achieves 900th Win as Head Coach
Doc Rivers achieved a significant milestone in his coaching career on November 8, 2019, when he secured his 900th win as a head coach following the Clippers' victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
2019: Doc Rivers and Kristen Rivers Divorce
Doc Rivers and Kristen Rivers divorced in 2019.
September 28, 2020: Doc Rivers Steps Down as Clippers Coach
On September 28, 2020, following the Los Angeles Clippers' loss to the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals, Doc Rivers made the decision to step down from his position as head coach, concluding his seven-season tenure with a 356-208 record.
October 3, 2020: Doc Rivers Hired as 76ers Head Coach
The Philadelphia 76ers, on October 3, 2020, formally announced the hiring of Doc Rivers as their head coach.
2020: Coaching Transition
The year 2020 marked a transition for Doc Rivers as he moved from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Philadelphia 76ers.
May 14, 2023: Doc Rivers Fired as 76ers Head Coach
Doc Rivers's time as the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers came to an end on May 14, 2023, when he was let go from the position. His tenure with the 76ers lasted three years.
December 2023: Doc Rivers Begins Consulting for Milwaukee Bucks
At the request of the Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers assumed the role of an informal consultant, starting in December 2023, providing guidance to their first-year coach, Adrian Griffin.
2023: End of Tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers
Doc Rivers' time as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers came to an end in 2023.
2023: Doc Rivers Returns to ESPN/ABC as Lead Analyst
In 2023, Doc Rivers rejoined ESPN/ABC's lead broadcasting team for their NBA coverage, collaborating with Mike Breen and Doris Burke.
January 2024: Doc Rivers Leaves ESPN to Coach Bucks
In January 2024, Doc Rivers made the decision to step away from his broadcasting role at ESPN midway through the season to accept the head coaching position for the Milwaukee Bucks.
January 26, 2024: Doc Rivers Hired as Bucks Head Coach
Following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin after 43 games, the Milwaukee Bucks, on January 26, 2024, revealed the appointment of Doc Rivers as their new head coach.
January 29, 2024: Doc Rivers Coaches First Game for Bucks
On January 29, 2024, Doc Rivers marked his debut as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the team in a game against the Denver Nuggets.