Stephen A. Smith Makes His Opinion On Doc Rivers Extremely Clear
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 23: ESPN Stephen A. Smith before the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Brooklyn Nets at FedExForum on March 23, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
In a postseason that has already seen multiple prominent NBA head coaches fired, Stephen A. Smith worried Doc Rivers could be next if he doesn't lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics.
During Friday's First Take (h/t NESN), the ESPN pundit expressed admiration for Rivers and said he should return for another season regardless of Sunday's outcome.
"Listen, Doc Rivers is a hell of a coach," Smith said. "I think win, lose or draw Doc Rivers deserves to stay on as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. I think he’s an outstanding coach. He’s a Hall of Famer as I’m concerned. I love Doc Rivers."
While Smith wouldn't let go of Rivers, he's not sure the 76ers share the same sentiment.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if they looked at everybody. You gotta win Game 7 is basically what this comes down to," he continued. "If you’re the Philadelphia 76ers, you gotta go back to Boston and you got to replicate what you did in Game 5 not just to save your season, but possibly to save your job."
Only Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Gregg Popovich have more postseason victories than Rivers, who hasn't had a losing season since 2006-07. However, the 76ers are in danger of suffering their third straight second-round elimination since he replaced Brett Brown.
Nick Nurse and Mike Budenholzer got axed despite leading their organizations to championships, and the Suns fired Monty Williams after falling short in the conference semifinals. Based on those moves, it wouldn't be shocking to see Philadelphia part ways with Rivers if booted by his former team.
Game 7 starts Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
