The signing of head coach Doc Rivers continues to raise concerns around Milwaukee.
The Bucks followed up a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs last season with a 1-4 start to this season.
After last season featured three coaching changes, Rivers’ tenure has brought troubling signs, leading to wonders if the franchise is heading down a regrettable path.
Last season began with Adrian Griffin at the helm, getting the Bucks off to a strong 30-13 start, placing them in second in the Eastern Conference. However, beneath the surface, issues were brewing with Griffin’s behavior. Reports of negative interactions between Griffin and both players and staff emerged, and a publicized altercation involving former assistant coach Terry Stotts further exacerbated tensions. Ultimately, the interactions led to Griffin’s dismissal.
Joe Prunty stepped in as interim head coach and managed to win two of his three games in the role, but the real test came when Rivers took the reins. He signed a $40M contract through the 2026-2027 season but struggled to find success in his first year, going 17-19 in the remaining 36 regular season games. The average stretch sank the Bucks at No. 3 in the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 49-33. Milwaukee’s playoff run was short-lived, falling to the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers in six games in the first round.
Fast forward to this season, and the early results are alarming. The Bucks’ 1-4 start is its worst since the 2010-2011 season. Milwaukee’s lone win this season came against a Philadelphia 76ers team missing stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, leading to skepticism about its significance.
