Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers made headlines with a subtle jab at former U.S. President Donald Trump before his team’s first preseason game on October 6. Hired midway through last season, Rivers couldn’t fully establish his system due to team injuries and chemistry issues. Now, after a full offseason to prepare, the 62-year-old coach is looking to make his mark.
Before the game, Rivers was asked what excites him most about working with the team after a full summer together. His response, accompanied by a chuckle, hinted at a pointed political reference: “Well, at least I get to coach players who actually want to work together.” The remark was widely interpreted as a dig at Trump, whom Rivers has publicly criticized in the past.
Rivers, an outspoken Democrat and supporter of Kamala Harris, is no stranger to voicing his political opinions. Trump recently claimed that immigrants were “taking Black jobs,” a comment that has since been referenced by public figures such as Michelle Obama and Simone Biles. It seems Rivers took the preseason spotlight as a chance to join in the criticism.
As much as Rivers is having fun in the preseason, he knows the serious work begins soon. With the addition of Damian Lillard to the Bucks, there’s pressure to get the team chemistry right. Much of the Bucks’ struggle last season stemmed from integrating Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Rivers needs to ensure the duo—and the team as a whole—can operate efficiently. With the right adjustments, the Bucks could be a dark horse in the 2024-25 NBA season, possibly catching teams off guard.
