NBA Insider: Expectation That Ex-Celtics HC Doc Rivers Gets Fired After HOF News

Rivers' good times could end soon as the Bucks limp toward the end of the regular season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, using the Bucks' team colors of green, blue, and orange to capture the team's struggles this season.The Bucks' disappointing season has put coach Doc Rivers' future in Milwaukee in doubt, despite his impending Hall of Fame induction.Boston Today

NBA insider Kurt Helin reported that there is an 'expectation around the league' that Milwaukee Bucks head coach and former Boston Celtics leader Doc Rivers will be fired, even after being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The Bucks have underperformed this season, and Helin argues that Rivers has not connected with or elevated the roster, with his coaching style seeming at odds with the current direction of the NBA game.

Why it matters

Rivers is a highly respected NBA coach with a championship pedigree, having led the Celtics to a title in 2008. His potential firing would be a surprising development, especially coming on the heels of his Hall of Fame induction. It speaks to the high expectations and pressure in the NBA, where even decorated coaches can find themselves on the hot seat if their teams fail to live up to expectations.

The details

According to Helin, the Bucks' disappointing 30-46 record this season, coupled with Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury issues and the team's 'patchwork roster', have put Rivers' job in jeopardy. Helin argues that Rivers' coaching style, including his insistence on his team getting back on defense rather than crashing the offensive glass, seems out of step with the modern NBA game. Helin believes the Bucks will look to move in a new direction this offseason, either if Antetokounmpo leaves via trade or if he re-signs and the team wants to contend, as Rivers has 'already not connected with this roster'.

  • Rivers was reported to be part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Tuesday.
  • The Bucks currently have a 30-46 record and are limping toward the end of the regular season.

The players

Doc Rivers

The current head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and former head coach of the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. Rivers led the Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008 and is set to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star player for the Milwaukee Bucks, who has only played in 36 games this season due to injury.

Kurt Helin

The lead NBA writer for NBCSports.com, who reported on the expectation that Rivers will be fired by the Bucks despite his upcoming Hall of Fame induction.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be weird when Doc Rivers is elected to the Hall of Fame one week and let go a couple of weeks later.”

— Kurt Helin, Lead NBA Writer, NBCSports.com

“Rivers did not connect with and elevate this roster, and things like his insistence on his team getting back and not crashing the offensive glass seem at odds with where the game is headed.”

— Kurt Helin, Lead NBA Writer, NBCSports.com

What’s next

The Bucks' front office will likely make a decision on Rivers' future with the team in the coming weeks or months, either before or after the 2026 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the intense pressure and high expectations placed on even the most accomplished NBA coaches. Despite Rivers' Hall of Fame credentials and past success, his inability to get the Bucks performing to their potential this season could ultimately cost him his job, underscoring the ruthless nature of the modern NBA coaching landscape.