Doc Rivers: A Look at His Playing Career
Doc Rivers is a living legend in the world of professional basketball. The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, he is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. But before he achieved his success as a coach, he was a player. In his 13-year career, he played for four teams. In this article, we’ll take a look at those teams and what Doc Rivers’ legacy is with them.
Atlanta Hawks (1983-1991)
Doc Rivers was drafted in the second round (31st overall) of the 1983 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He quickly became a key player on the team, starting in all 82 games in his rookie season. Doc Rivers averaged double-digit points and assists in his first three years with the Hawks, and was selected to the All-Star Game in 1988. He was also an integral part of the Hawks’ success in the late 1980s, helping the team reach the conference finals in 1987 and the semi-finals in 1988.
Los Angeles Clippers (1991-1992)
In 1991, Doc Rivers was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He only played one season with the team, but he was their starting point guard for the majority of the season. His best game with the team was a triple-double against the Seattle SuperSonics on April 19, 1992.
New York Knicks (1992-1994)
In 1992, Doc Rivers was traded to the New York Knicks, where he would spend the next two seasons. He was the starting point guard for the team and helped lead them to the playoffs in both seasons. He was also named to the All-Star Game in 1993.
San Antonio Spurs (1994-1995)
Doc Rivers was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1994. He was the starting point guard for the team and helped lead them to the playoffs in 1995. He retired after the season and began his coaching career.
Doc Rivers’ Legacy with the Teams He Played For
Doc Rivers left a lasting legacy with each of the four teams he played for. He was a key player in Atlanta, helping the team reach the conference finals and the semi-finals in the late 1980s. He was an All-Star with the Knicks and led them to the playoffs in both of his seasons there. He was a key player in San Antonio, helping the team reach the playoffs in his only season there.
Atlanta Hawks
- Helped the team reach the conference finals and the semi-finals in the late 1980s
- Averaged double-digit points and assists in his first three years with the Hawks
- Was selected to the All-Star Game in 1988
Los Angeles Clippers
- Started in all 82 games in his rookie season
- Had a triple-double against the Seattle SuperSonics on April 19, 1992
New York Knicks
- Started in all 82 games in his rookie season
- Was the starting point guard for the team
- Helped lead the team to the playoffs in both of his seasons there
- Was named to the All-Star Game in 1993
San Antonio Spurs
- Started in all 82 games in his rookie season
- Was the starting point guard for the team
- Helped lead the team to the playoffs in his only season there
Doc Rivers’ Accolades and Achievements
Doc Rivers’ 13-year career was full of awards and accolades. He was named to the All-Star Game three times and was named All-Defensive Second Team three times. He was also inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and had his jersey retired by the Atlanta Hawks in 2010.
Doc Rivers’ Legacy in the NBA
Doc Rivers’ legacy in the NBA is undeniable. He is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008 and the Los Angeles Clippers to a championship appearance in 2020. He is also one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NBA, as he has been coaching in the league since 1999. He is one of the most respected coaches in the league, and his impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated.
Doc Rivers’ Impact on the Game of Basketball
Doc Rivers’ impact on the game of basketball goes beyond just the teams he coached. He is one of the most respected coaches in the league and has had an influence on many of the current coaches in the NBA. He is also one of the few coaches in the league who has been able to maintain a successful coaching career for more than two decades. His leadership and experience have been invaluable for many teams and players throughout his career.
Conclusion
Doc Rivers is one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, but before he achieved success as a coach, he was a player. He played for four teams in his 13-year career, and he left a lasting legacy with each of them. He was a key player in Atlanta and was an All-Star with the Knicks and Spurs. He was also named to the All-Star Game three times, was named All-Defensive Second Team three times, and was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. His impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, and his legacy as a player and a coach will never be forgotten.