Former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has a bad habit of throwing his former players under the bus at times to deflect criticism of his coaching. While at times it may be justified, it also often has landed poorly among those who have played for him in the past. Such was the case with ex-NBAer and current broadcaster JJ Redick, who took Doc to task on social media.
That, in turn, rankled Rivers’ son, Austin Rivers, who replied to Redick’s critique by saying via Clutch Points “In terms of accountability, your best years in the NBA were when you played for him and the (Los Angeles) Clippers … It’s just very ironic and kinda weird that you have this energy towards him.”
Redick’s words also irked current Milwaukee Bucks (who Rivers coaches) guard Patrick Beverley, who wrote “This Man Doc actually saved your career. Started you when no one else wanted (to). And (you) retire, go on TV and say that.”
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Redick could not help but reply, saying, “Pat my guy, I had a four-year offer with player option for the same money to be a starter for a different team. (expletive) ‘saved my career,'”
Is Rivers a bad coach? Definitely not. Is he the source of the Bucks’ current woes? Not really! Does he have a track record of deflecting blame, regardless of whether he deserves it? Absolutely. But then again, that may be true of many of us — most of whom are not being paid like an NBA head coach.
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