Latest news with #DocRivers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Doc Rivers proclaims Caitlin Clark as basketball's biggest superstar: "That's what a superstar does"
Doc Rivers proclaims Caitlin Clark as basketball's biggest superstar: "That's what a superstar does" originally appeared on Basketball Network. In the history of basketball, there has always been a dominant male figure who has been the face of the sport, but that might be changing with the arrival of Caitlin Clark, whose superstardom is growing by the day. Advertisement Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell ruled the 1960s, Magic Johnson or Larry Bird were the best in the '80s, Michael Jordan in the '90s, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James for nearly the past two decades. But according to Doc Rivers, modern-day fans might be experiencing a never-before-seen left. That shift comes in the form of Clark, whose influence both on and off the court is turning heads and redefining superstardom. Even more boldly, as Rivers puts it, this could be the making of the biggest superstar in basketball right now. Rivers on Clark's biggest asset After leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs last season, Clark took the league by storm, earning the Rookie of the Year award and a place in the All-WNBA First Team. Her stat line was already impressive, as she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. Advertisement That clearly wasn't enough for Clark as she already surpassed her production through six games in the new campaign, averaging 21.3 points, 8.7 assists and 1.0 block per game, all while improving her efficiency to 44.7 percent from the field and 40 percent from the three-point range. For Rivers, that's the true mark of a superstar. She not only elevates her own game but also improves the production of her teammates like Lexie Hull and seamlessly integrates newcomers like Aari McDonald and Natasha Howard into the team. If you ask Doc, Clark isn't just improving her own game but changing the basketball culture with sold-out arenas and a massive spike in viewership. Put simply, forcing fans, who once neglected women's basketball, to want them to never miss out on Clark's action. "Caitlin Clark is Pistol Pete. It's funny, in college, everyone was mesmerized by her shooting and I'm like it's the least of her game, it's her passing," Rivers said on the "Bill Simmons podcast." Advertisement "It's a great example of what we talked about with Haliburton. When you watch Caitlin Clark's team play, they run the floor. You know why? They know they're gonna get the ball. They make cuts because they know they're gonna get the ball and that's what a superstar does. She may be the biggest superstar in basketball right now," Rivers gave her kudos. Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA Clark's superstardom is undeniable Even the numbers wholeheartedly support Rivers' bold proclamation of Clark being the biggest superstar in basketball. At the time of her recent quad injury, the Fever's National TV viewership had dropped to a staggering 53 percent. Furthermore, the overall WNBA broadcasts have seen a dip of 55 percent since her injury. Advertisement Safe to say that this kind of audience drop-off is unheard of in women's professional sports — or any sport, really — where the presence of a single player dictates the viewership of an entire league. As the veteran NBA head coach boldly suggests, Caitlin might not just be building her legacy. She is reshaping the landscape of basketball itself. Related: "She is a gift from God for the WNBA" - Peja Stojakovic believes WNBA players owe Caitlin Clark for the league's growth This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Doc Rivers Claims The OKC Thunder Will Have To Break Up Their Supertalented Team In A Few Years
Doc Rivers Claims The OKC Thunder Will Have To Break Up Their Supertalented Team In A Few Years originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the cusp of winning their first championship after taking a 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. While the Thunder look primed to be a dominant force in the years to come, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers stated on The Bill Simmons Podcast that tough decisions will have to be made soon. Advertisement "They also have some things coming up called max contracts and paying guys," River said. "What Sam (Presti) has done is amazing when you think about it... But next year, after this season or in a year, they're going to have to start paying guys. And then all of a sudden, they probably won't be as deep as they are now, because they're going to have to make some tough decisions." Rivers admitted that having to hand out max contracts is the only thing that is going to slow down this Thunder team, which won 68 games this season. With all the success they're having, the players are in line for huge deals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP this year and is eligible to sign a five-year, $380 million contract extension in 2026. It will be the largest contract in NBA history. For some context on just how big of a jump that will be, Gilgeous-Alexander made just $35.8 million this season. Before Gilgeous-Aleaxnder puts pen to paper on that deal, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who are currently on rookie deals, will get massive contracts of their own. Williams and Holmgren are eligible to sign five-year, $246 million rookie extensions this offseason. The figure could rise to $296 million if MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or All-NBA honors are negotiated into the contracts. Advertisement In a couple of years from now, Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren will make over $170 million between them a season. As Rivers pointed out, you're not going to be able to have as much depth as the Thunder have now when these three are eating up so much cap space. It would have been possible in the past, but these apron rules in the new CBA will cripple the Thunder. Being a second-round team leads to harsh penalties, like the loss of any mid-level exception in free agency and not being allowed to aggregate contracts in trades. The Thunder having a boatload of draft picks would lessen the blow a little bit, but it just won't be feasible to hold on to all of their key pieces around the three stars. There is next to no chance that Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein are all on this team in a couple of years. Maybe all three of them might be gone. So, the Thunder certainly need to capitalize when their big guns are making next to nothing by NBA standards. They look set to win the title this year, especially now with Tyrese Haliburton suffering a calf strain. If they do win it all, they'll then attempt to do something that hasn't been done in quite some time, which is repeat. Advertisement The Golden State Warriors were the last team to do it in 2017 and 2018. When you look at the current landscape of the NBA, the Thunder would be in a great position to defend their title. Draymond Green had stated that the Warriors would be the last dynasty in the NBA because of the CBA, and it will be interesting to see if the Thunder can at least become a mini-dynasty of sorts. Related: Charles Barkley Claims Thunder Have Sealed the NBA Finals After Game 4 Win This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Doc Rivers' Steph Curry Message After Giannis Antetokounmpo News
Doc Rivers' Steph Curry Message After Giannis Antetokounmpo News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. NBA trade chatter around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo intensified following another first-round exit for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Indiana Pacers. Antetokounmpo followed up his MVP-caliber season with another impressive performance in the series against the Pacers, averaging 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Advertisement However, the two time-MVP's standout performance—highlighted by a 30/20/13 triple-double in Game 5—was not enough to propel Milwaukee past Indiana, as his team fell short in a 4-1 defeat. The Bucks' disappointing exit for the third straight year raised questions about the team's supporting cast and trajectory, and rumors began to grow about whether Antetokounmpo might seek a fresh start elsewhere, with the most recent reports linking him to the Toronto Raptors (via Doug Smith of the Toronto Star). Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Despite the growing rumors that Toronto could make a serious push for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks star recently made it clear he plans on returning to Milwaukee (h/t Eurohoops). Advertisement Following this news, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers addressed these speculations publicly during an appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast, calling the trade rumors "ridiculous." The NBA Championship head coach also made a pointed analogy about Antetokounmpo's intentions to stay in Milwaukee, naming Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry. 'But with certain guys, I don't think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State ever and I'm hoping obviously Giannis feels the same way," he said. "That's the way he's been so far and it's been great. It's been awesome.' Steph Curry's long-term tenure in Golden State is well-documented. Despite setbacks, he's remained steadfast, building a legacy that has culminated in four NBA Championships. Rivers draws that parallel, suggesting Antetokounmpo shares that DNA and will not opt to leave—despite external pressures. Advertisement Antetokounmpo, for his part, has repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty. With a contract stretching to 2027-28 and no formal trade request, signs point to Antetokounmpo returning for another season with the Bucks. Related: Raptors' RJ Barrett Named in Kevin Durant Trade Report on Monday Related: Doc Rivers Makes Giannis Antetokounmpo Decision After Raptors News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"They are going to have to start to paying guys" - Doc Rivers breaks down why OKC won't be able to keep this team together
"They are going to have to start to paying guys" - Doc Rivers breaks down why OKC won't be able to keep this team together originally appeared on Basketball Network. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been an absolute juggernaut this season and are now just a win away from capturing the 2025 NBA championship. The winds have blown in their favor all season. Advertisement After winning a franchise record 68 wins in the regular season, thanks to the spectacular efforts of superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the league's MVP, they breezed through the Western Conference side of the playoffs and have withstood a gallant stand from the Indiana Pacers to inch closer to the title. However, according to veteran coach Doc Rivers, OKC can expect to experience some turbulent waters in the next few seasons as they make tough decisions regarding their personnel and which players they can afford to retain. Money matters The Thunder are poised to be one of the league's most dominant teams for the next few years. With Alex Caruso being their oldest player at 31, they have a young, talented core led by Gilgeous-Alexander, fellow All-Star Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Cason Wallace. Advertisement However, success in the NBA does not come cheap. With the new CBA and impending salary cap changes, the Thunder will have to navigate salary cap restrictions to keep their key players together. Doc is familiar with this, having been a coach and a team executive since 2000. "They also have some things coming up — max contracts, paying guys, and that whole challenge of sustaining a core. What Sam (Presti) has done is amazing when you think about it. He's done this without, you know, Shai really at full playoff strength," Rivers shared on "The Bill Simmons Podcast." "But next year, after this season or in a year, they're going to have to start paying guys. And then all of a sudden, they probably won't be as deep as they are now, because they're going to have to make some tough decisions," the NBA lifer added. The Thunder are expected to bring everyone back next season, but two core members — Holmgren and J-Dub — are slated to become restricted free agents. And when money is concerned, things can get tricky. Advertisement Related: "I can't get so close to it, too, because of my competitive nature" - Michael Jordan on why he can't get himself to be a fan of any one player in the NBA OKC has been in this situation before Rivers mentioned that OKC has been in this situation before. The team was fresh off losing to the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals. However, fans and experts were optimistic about their chances of competing for NBA titles in the years to come, with their core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and James Harden. Ultimately, their 2012 run to the NBA Finals proved to be that team's only one, as Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets in the offseason. "I still remember Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Mike Breen talking about the Oklahoma City Thunder when they were losing to Miami. They said, 'Well, this is a tough loss, but they'll be back here over and over again.' This is the first time they've been back. So you can never take it for granted," Doc said. Advertisement "They've been in this situation once before, and they had to decide on who to keep. They kept Ibaka at the time over Harden, which turned out to be, you know, not the best decision in the world," Rivers said. The Beard went on to become a league MVP and one of the most potent scorers the league has ever seen. While Ibaka was a solid big man, he paled in comparison to what Harden was and still is. That said, it will be interesting to see what moves OKC's front office will make to keep their roster intact for as long as possible. Related: "When you have those two things, you're gonna figure it out" - SGA says he knew Jalen Williams was going to be special from the jump This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Damian Lillard gets return prediction from Doc Rivers
The post Damian Lillard gets return prediction from Doc Rivers appeared first on ClutchPoints. In late April, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard tore his Achilles and had to sit out for the playoffs. While Lillard recently posted an encouraging video on social media of his recovery, Bucks coach Doc Rivers is being extremely cautious. Advertisement During an appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast, Rivers said outright he is not involved in Lillard's recovery. Instead, he is taking a wait-and-see approach, while saying that Lillard could return later rather than sooner. 'I'm staying out of it but I do think he'll come back by the end of the next season you know because he had it early enough in the playoffs,' Rivers said. Later on, Rivers said that Lillard was battling a blood clot before tearing his Achilles. Thus, putting his career in jeopardy. 'But I got to say this about Dame, Dame had two injuries you know I jokingly told Dame I cried twice for you damn it in one year. You know and because when he had the blood clot Bill there was a moment when I got the news, because I'm old and I know what blood clots usually mean, you know so when I first heard the news I literally, my eyes watered because I'm thinking this guy's about to get robbed of the rest of his career. And then within the next day we find okay no not career threatening he may even come back.' Will the Bucks see Damian Lillard play again? Lillard is 34 years old now and has played 12 seasons in the NBA. Two of those years were spent with the Bucks. Advertisement He joined the team for the 2023-2024 season. Lillard finished averaging 24.3 points and 7 assists per game. This past year, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game. The Bucks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round in five games. Lillard's age combined with this recent injury could lead towards the end of his career. Even if he recovers, he could be heading towards the finish line. As for the Bucks, there is a chance that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded. If that happens, Lillard would be left with the daunting task of carrying a rebuilding team. All in all, Lillard's future is as uncertain as it can be. Related: Thunder draw '90s Bulls comparison from Doc Rivers Related: Spurs rumors: ESPN puts together Giannis, Kevin Durant trade offers
