Doc Rivers is heading into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, and nearly two decades after his coaching run with the Boston Celtics, he is still feeling the ties to the organization. Rivers recently called his time there “it’s everything” to him, clearly crediting his journey to the Hoops Hall to his work helping the Celtics snag Banner 17.
Ainge’s Belief, Boston’s Opportunity
Rivers isn’t shy about who gave him his shot, explaining straight up, “I wouldn’t be here without Boston, without coming to Boston, without Danny Ainge and that believing in my coaching from the start.” He truly believes there was “no way” he’d be standing where he is today without that early faith from the former Celtics President of Basketball Operations.
The Big Three Buy-In That Changed Everything
You gotta have talent, but Rivers knows you need more than that. He pointed to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, calling them “the Greatest group” and emphasizing that “most people don’t win with them and you need guys to buy in.” He credits those three, his “Big Three,” for buying into his vision, which led to “quick success” despite others predicting a year-long wait. Rivers was clear, “None of them believed that, neither did I.” And for any coach out there, he’s got a special shout-out for Garnett, saying “every coach should have a chance to coach a Garnett once in their lifetime, because just the way he goes about his business really helps you as a coach.”
This Hall of Fame induction is a huge moment, not just for Rivers, but for the legacy of that incredible Celtics team he molded. His words prove how much that era, and those players, truly meant to getting him to basketball’s highest honor.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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