Rivers still hasn't decided whether he'll return

[crownontherocks]

Doc Rivers still hasn't decided whether he'll return as the Celtics' head coach next season, but he promised to make an announcement "soon."

When asked about his future by the Boston Globe, Rivers replied, "I'd rather not say." He's likely waiting to see how the Celtics handle Paul Pierce's team option, and whether or not Kevin Garnett returns, before committing to another year in Boston. Rivers is owed a whopping $21 million over the next three seasons, but numerous teams would be happy to hire Doc as their coach or as an executive.

Boston Globe

[hpantazo]

after what he said last year when he signed his long term extension, he would be a hypocrit to bail out if KG and Pierce don't return

[#1P4P]

By placing the amount of attention they are on this issue, the Boston media is trying to replicate the Brett Favre retirement-Green Bay situation.

This is a non-issue; if KG and/or Doc return, they return, if they retire, they retire... Ainge's job is to have plans in place depending on what decisions they make.

[radiohead]

after what he said last year when he signed his long term extension, he would be a hypocrit to bail out if KG and Pierce don't return

Exactly. Didn't he say something like he wanted to be part of the whole rebuilding process after the big 3 era? He knew what he was getting into when he signed the 5 year deal.

[dasani]

that article, even though very vague, doesn't sound good at all. It sounds like he is gone.

[gpap]

I think it's ridiculous that we need to ask ourselves this question every year.

Memo to Doc: If you don't want to be here, leave
Question to Doc : Why did you sign a 5 year deal in the first place?

[CelticConcourse]

It's all dependent.

[dasani]

I think it's ridiculous that we need to ask ourselves this question every year.

Memo to Doc: If you don't want to be here, leave
Question to Doc : Why did you sign a 5 year deal in the first place?

Good question. I think some reasons may be:
a) the money was too good to turn down or b) he probably thought Ainge would be able to pull off another KG like trade and get another superstar in so there really wouldn't be a rebuild period.

Just my thoughts, but I'm sure there is more to it. But hey, maybe he is coming back, but is just concerned about the Pierce-Garnett situation. Sounds like he doesn't agree with DA about it.

[PhoSita]

Gonna have to wait a couple weeks.  It all comes down to what they do with Pierce.

[hpantazo]

Gonna have to wait a couple weeks.  It all comes down to what they do with Pierce.

It shouldn't have to depend on Pierce and KG though. Doc signed a 5 year deal and talked about being a celtic through thick and thin. If he is now trying to play hardball with Ainge to get Pierce and KG back for one more year, Ainge should show him the door.

[PhoSita]

Gonna have to wait a couple weeks.  It all comes down to what they do with Pierce.

It shouldn't have to depend on Pierce and KG though. Doc signed a 5 year deal and talked about being a celtic through thick and thin. If he is now trying to play hardball with Ainge to get Pierce and KG back for one more year, Ainge should show him the door.

I doubt it's like that, really.

I agree that it shouldn't be about whether or not Pierce is retained for Doc. 

But we don't know all the details.  Despite what he's said at times, it could be that Doc signed his recent extension having talked to the team ahead of time about the fact that due to his family situation he was going to have to reevaluate each year.  He may not feel like he has it in him to do his best next year all things considered.  That may be especially the case if they let go of Pierce and that results in KG going elsewhere (or retiring) too.  Doc may feel that somebody else is better suited to deal with the resulting situation.

It doesn't have to be a matter of selfishness or going back on promises.

[hpantazo]

Gonna have to wait a couple weeks.  It all comes down to what they do with Pierce.

It shouldn't have to depend on Pierce and KG though. Doc signed a 5 year deal and talked about being a celtic through thick and thin. If he is now trying to play hardball with Ainge to get Pierce and KG back for one more year, Ainge should show him the door.

I doubt it's like that, really.

I agree that it shouldn't be about whether or not Pierce is retained for Doc. 

But we don't know all the details.  Despite what he's said at times, it could be that Doc signed his recent extension having talked to the team ahead of time about the fact that due to his family situation he was going to have to reevaluate each year.  He may not feel like he has it in him to do his best next year all things considered.  That may be especially the case if they let go of Pierce and that results in KG going elsewhere (or retiring) too.  Doc may feel that somebody else is better suited to deal with the resulting situation.

It doesn't have to be a matter of selfishness or going back on promises.

maybe your right, it just rubs me the wrong way that he signed a 5 year deal and talked about how much of a celtic he is when it was clear that we were soon heading to rebuilding, and now a year later he's considering leaving

[Kane3387]

He'll be back.

I agree it is annoying though. But this is tied to Pierce and KG for sure.

[bfrombleacher]

So many reports on something not happening yet.

[WeMadeIt17]

Very strange. I wonder if Danny is working on something with a team without a coach where he could move Pierce and KG and Doc could follow. BUT my main guess is that Doc is just waiting to see what the future holds. Also no matter what it shouldn't matter. Doc needs to man up and live up to his contract.