Is this Doc's last season?

[Roy H.]

Rivers is one of the NBA's few remaining untouchable coaches, along with San Antonio's Gregg Popovich and the Los Angeles Lakers' Phil Jackson, but countless coaching insiders believe that Rivers will be taking no less than a one-year hiatus at season's end. No matter what happens in the playoffs.

Although Celts president Danny Ainge and the veteran trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were able to lobby Rivers last summer to come back for one last run together, pessimism reigns in Boston when it comes to successfully lobbying him again. Word is Doc is determined to free himself up to see his Duke-bound son, Austin, after work commitments prevented him from watching his other three children as much as he wanted to see them compete in various sports.

So where does Ainge turn if Rivers indeed can't be coaxed back? Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank and longtime Ainge teammate Kevin McHale are sure to be linked to the job instantly once it becomes vacant, but more than one veteran Ainge-watcher contacted this week coached me to assume that Ainge has a name or two in mind that no one has even pondered yet, given that (A) he had to be prepared for Rivers' departure after last season and (B) that sort of stealth planning would be classic Ainge.

Link.

[hpantazo]

Rivers is one of the NBA's few remaining untouchable coaches, along with San Antonio's Gregg Popovich and the Los Angeles Lakers' Phil Jackson, but countless coaching insiders believe that Rivers will be taking no less than a one-year hiatus at season's end. No matter what happens in the playoffs.

Although Celts president Danny Ainge and the veteran trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were able to lobby Rivers last summer to come back for one last run together, pessimism reigns in Boston when it comes to successfully lobbying him again. Word is Doc is determined to free himself up to see his Duke-bound son, Austin, after work commitments prevented him from watching his other three children as much as he wanted to see them compete in various sports.

So where does Ainge turn if Rivers indeed can't be coaxed back? Celtics assistant coach Lawrence Frank and longtime Ainge teammate Kevin McHale are sure to be linked to the job instantly once it becomes vacant, but more than one veteran Ainge-watcher contacted this week coached me to assume that Ainge has a name or two in mind that no one has even pondered yet, given that (A) he had to be prepared for Rivers' departure after last season and (B) that sort of stealth planning would be classic Ainge.

Link.

Interesting. I'm not surprised that Doc won't be back, but I thought Frank would be a shoe-in to replace him. I guess not, it sounds like Ainge has a few guys in waiting.

[CoachBo]

One name: Jerry Sloan.

[looseball]

How about that Thibideau guy?

[billysan]

Cant blame Doc. Family is important and you dont get these chances back to be with your kids as they grow up. He has said for years that he wanted/needed to spend more time with them. The evidence has been there as he jetted home numerous time to be around for their activities.

I think he loves the Celtics and what they have accomplished during his tenure. I also think he had a hand in bringing in Lawrence Frank who is an obvious replacement candidate. Even if Frank isnt the man, Danny will get input from Doc on his successor.

The way we are playing, blame injuries or trades if you want, the fact is he may be ready to move on. If his focus isnt on the team and he is tired of dealing with the daily stress? I just will not be surprised at all to see him go. I will go on record as saying that he will coach again somewhere. I am wrong abot a lot of stuff, but I think that is a no brainer.

[billysan]

How about that Thibideau guy?

Not happening.

He will stay to continue what he has started for a few years at least.

One name: Jerry Sloan.

Hard to see our veterans dealing with Sloan. OTOH, maybe they would thrive under him.

Interesting..... 

[Who]

Some available head coaches - Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Brown, Mike Fratello, ugh Eddie Jordan, Sam Mitchell, Mike Dunleavy, Jim O'Brien, plus the already mentioned Jerry Sloan and Kevin McHale.

Elston Turner and Mike Budenholzer as up and coming assistant coaches. Brian Shaw who will likely get a head coaching job this summer somewhere. Mario Elie.

Rick Adelman is very likely to leave Houston this offseason. He could be an interesting choice.

 

[Who]

I don't think Doc leaves this summer.

Too much left unfinished with this group of guys ... he won't walk out on them until the job is done.

[BballTim]

  I don't really see why he'd leave now, as much of the home/work issues will be lesser with his son in college now.

[Donoghus]

If they win the title, I think he definitely walks off into the sunset. 

Even if they don't, I'd put the odds of him coming back to be at least 50/50 if not more slanted towards him leaving.

[JBcat]

If Danny has somebody else in mind I would guess it is someone he knows and trusts.   Danny and Doc were friends before hooking up together with the Celtics.   It can go a long way in building trust and communication between the GM and coach.   It seems like Danny runs trade ideas and draft picks through Doc and I don't think all GMs and coaches do that.  Danny trusted Doc when the team was bad (18 game losing streak remember) and always supported him.   I wouldn't doubt if someone he has in mind is someone like Kevin McHale or even one of the current assistants Frank or even Tyrone Lue who Doc has always said would make a good head coach. 

I hope Doc comes back though. 

[Defense]

No way Doc comes back if they win and especially not if they lose. Exactly what incentive is their for Doc (or the franchise really) to give these guys another run at it after blowing it for what would be the third year in a row? The window is closed after this year, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

[aporel#18]

Some available head coaches - Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Brown, Mike Fratello, ugh Eddie Jordan, Sam Mitchell, Mike Dunleavy, Jim O'Brien, plus the already mentioned Jerry Sloan and Kevin McHale.

Elston Turner and Mike Budenholzer as up and coming assistant coaches. Brian Shaw who will likely get a head coaching job this summer somewhere. Mario Elie.

Rick Adelman is very likely to leave Houston this offseason. He could be an interesting choice.

Adelman or Sloan would sound great to me, I also would like Dunleavy or McHale. The best option, though, will be Doc Rivers.

No Jeff Van Gundy, please 

[gpap]

Hate to say it...but I kinda hope so.

As much respect as I have for Doc, I don't think he's the best at motivating his players (just my two cents.)

In the 2007-08 year, it seemed like there was a fire in Doc to lead his team to a title and dominate the NBA.

Now, it just seems like Doc takes the "back door" approach, meaning sacrificing the 1 seed as long as it means "resting" his players.

Quite frankly, I think Doc tries too hard now to appease his players. After this year, the team might need a coach with more fire and a better motivator.

Yes I know KG, Ray and Paul all love Doc...yadada.

But a coach is suppose to be a guy that players are kind of intimidated by, not a guy that players exchange golf tips and phone numbers with.

[Tai]

Maybe after next year when this window can be considered truly closed, but that's it, to me.