Matt Barnes gets real on playing for Bucks’ Doc Rivers — ‘I’ve had better coaches’

The coaching switch from Adrian Griffin to Doc Rivers was tough. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard could not quite find their groove in terms of schemes due to the changes in scheme philosophy. This, along with the Greek Freak’s injury, meant that the Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason hopes would come crashing down yet again. A lot of the vitriol was hurled towards their new head honcho and some players have gone out to defend him. Matt Barnes, on the other hand, had to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of his former Los Angeles Clippers coach.

Matt Barnes gets real

Doc Rivers is hailed as one of the greatest coaches to ever step on an NBA court. He may have just one championship and that was way back in 2008 but that does not mean that veteran acumen isn’t running through his veins. But, a lot of doubts started surfacing after the Bucks ended their season with a first-round exit to the Indiana Pacers. This left some members of their faithful wondering what went wrong with the new head honcho. Matt Barnes posits that there are upsides and downsides when acquiring him, via Third and Long.

“I think Doc’s strength is he’s a great motivator, he’s a good communicator to people with people. He’ll have you ready,” he said.

That was the only thing Matt Barnes had to say about the upside of playing under Doc Rivers. He would know the situation too because of their time together inside the Los Angeles Clippers system. But, a plethora of negatives then hit the Bucks’ head honcho.

“I think his weakness is just kind of keeping it real when real needs to be kept. Also, just kind of in-game strategies and adjustments. Again, I’m not talking bad about him. I’ve played for better coaches just like he’d probably say ‘I’ve coached better players you know.’ If he was to kind of lash back at me. He has some kind of cache with this league. He’s always the first coach that’s called for great opportunities,” Matt Barnes added.

Doc Rivers’ time with the Bucks