Philadelphia 76ers Fire Doc Rivers

76ers Look to Fill Head Coach Vacancy

The 76ers were eliminated in the eastern conference semi-finals, losing 112-88 in game seven to the Boston Celtics, behind Jayson Tatum‘s monumental 51 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assist game seven. Rivers had been the head coach for the Sixers for three seasons and amassed a record of 154-82 during that stretch. This season, Rivers led the 76ers to a winning season with 54 wins and 28 losses for a playoff berth as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets (4-0) in the first round before falling to Boston in the conference semi-finals in seven games (4-3). It’s worth noting that Joel Embiid received his first career MVP this season under the guidance of Rivers.

Sixers President of Basketball Operations- Daryl Morey said today, “Doc (Rivers) is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, a future Hall of Famer, and someone I respect immensely. We’re grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise. After having the chance to reflect upon our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of competing for a championship.” Rivers is a one-time NBA champion, having led the Boston Celtics to a championship over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 Finals.

.@stephenasmith reacts to the 76ers dismissal of Doc Rivers: pic.twitter.com/RC7cWG1hO0

— First Take (@FirstTake) May 16, 2023

The 76ers will have a plethora of free-agent, notable coaches to choose from. The 76ers’ head coach search is expected to include Mike Budenholzer, Same Cassell, Mike D’Antoni, Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Monty Williams, per ESPN.

Game seven collapses have been a trend with Rivers as head coach, the loss to Boston this past weekend was the 10th loss in a game seven for Rivers and the fifth in a row. Not only do the 76ers have to fill the void of a head coaching position but also handle Sixers Co-Star- James Harden‘s free agency shortly. Harden has a player option next season worth $35.6 million. Following the game seven collapse, Harden was asked about his relationship with Rivers to which Harden simply replied, “Our relationship is okay.”

The Philadelphia 76ers now join the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons with vacant head coaching positions. Do you think Rivers signs with another team and what team, also who do you think Philadelphia signs? Let us know in the comments below!

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