The impact that accompanied Adrian Griffin’s abrupt firing soon subsided, as Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks appeared primed to take things to the next level in the second half of the season. Starting on Monday, January 29, Doc Rivers will assume leadership of a club with a 32-14 record.

Rivers discussed how his time as a player at Marquette, a university that is about a mile away from Fiserv Forum, the team’s home arena, had an impact on his decision to sign with the Bucks during his first press conference.

Damian Lillard, a point guard, stated he would be interested in working with a coach of Rivers’ level. He talked about how Rivers’ time in Milwaukee during his collegiate basketball career and his experiences as an NBA player and coach had helped them as a team.

Speaking to Rivers’ background as a coach, Lillard stated, “I think that’s something that you need if you wanna reach the level that we want to reach and I think he’s the perfect person for it.” Rivers has a long history of success as a coach.

“The best time, in my opinion, is right now,” Lillard continued. “I don’t think you should just wait around or do anything of that; instead, I think you should just jump right in and start things off. This week, [Doc Rivers] has been in the building, seeing how things are going and getting to know the guys a little better. He hasn’t coached yet.”

Even though he was never given the opportunity to play or teach for the Bucks, Doc Rivers played basketball for Marquette. He has undoubtedly had a legendary career in both coach and player roles.

During his three years as a player for the Golden Eagles, Rivers had an instant effect on the group. During his rookie season (1980–81), he started every game and continued to do so until he joined the NBA.

The team retired his #31 jersey in recognition of his services at Marquette.

According to Damian Lillard, Doc Rivers does best in challenging circumstances.

Damian Lillard acknowledged in the same interview that Doc Rivers is entering a challenging scenario, but he still has faith in his ability to succeed. With Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and a developing Rajon Rondo, Dame reflected back on the Boston Celtics of 2008 and discussed how high expectations were placed on Doc Rivers to succeed.

The Milwaukee Bucks point guard continued, saying that Rivers has shown in the past that he can perform above and beyond the highest expectations in such circumstance, and then he made a comparison to the team’s current standing.

To Rivers’ credit, he has flourished under trying circumstances. under his first season as head coach, he guided the Orlando Magic to the playoffs even though they were thought to be the weakest club in the NBA. In fact, this accomplishment earned him Coach of the Year.

Ranked among the NBA’s Top 15, Rivers is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in league history.

With a résumé like that, it is difficult to believe Damian Lillard’s confidence in Doc Rivers is misplaced, even though he has a history of stuttering during pivotal times.