Kevin Garnett has come to the defense of Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers after the team’s early playoff exit, pointing to roster fit rather than coaching ability.
“I really think that it’s just because of the players,” Garnett said. “Every player can’t play for him. Every player doesn’t fit his style. Doc really is a gritty guy who wants to really defend for 48 minutes and grind you.”
Rivers, who took over as Bucks head coach midway through the 2023–24 season, faced another turbulent campaign in 2024–25.
Milwaukee opened the year with a 2–8 record before winning eight of nine games to reach 10–9 by late November.
The Bucks went undefeated in the NBA Cup, securing the trophy with a December 17 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, they fell short in the Central Division race for the first time since 2017–18, with the Cleveland Cavaliers clinching the title.
In February, the team traded long-time forward Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. The move marked the end of Middleton’s 10-plus-year run in Milwaukee, which included the 2021 championship season.
Milwaukee clinched its ninth straight playoff berth on April 5 but struggled against the Indiana Pacers in the first round. The Bucks lost the series in five games, with Damian Lillard suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4.
Lillard’s injury further complicated the team’s playoff push and ultimately led to him being waived in the offseason. The back-to-back first-round exits have raised questions about the Bucks’ direction and Rivers’ tenure.
Garnett’s remarks suggest the issue lies more in player composition than in Rivers’ system. His emphasis on defensive commitment and grind reflects the type of roster Rivers has historically thrived with.
