The Philadelphia 76ers are making one trade after another loss in the second round in the NBA Playoffs.
Doc Rivers, who has been the 76ers’ head coach for the past three seasons, was fired Tuesday, the team announced. ESPN was the first to report the firing.
76ers head coach Doc Rivers arrives at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 5, 2023. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
«Doc is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, a future Hall of Famer and someone I respect immensely,» 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement. «We are grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and we thank him for the significant impact he has made on our franchise. After having the opportunity to reflect on our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of racing.» for a championship.»
Philadelphia lost to boston celtics in Game 7 of the second round on Sunday, failing to reach the conference finals for the 22nd straight year.
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The Sixers were ejected from the field as Jayson Tatum, star of the Celtics he set a Game 7 record with 51 points in a 122-88 loss to Philadelphia.
The demoralizing loss came after Philadelphia failed to shut out Boston at home in Game 6, blowing a 3-2 series lead to end their season.
Changes were expected in Philadelphia after another disappointing playoff performance, and Rivers is the first domino to fall.
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Joel Embiid of the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 27, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid endorsed Rivers after the Game 7 loss, saying he expected him to return.
«I think he’s done a fantastic job,» Embiid said of Rivers. «I think we’ve improved on him over the years. I think he’s done a great job and I don’t call the shots, but I think he should be fine. We have a great relationship.»
James Harden was not as supportive, saying «Our relationship is fine» when asked about Rivers.
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76ers head coach Doc Rivers during the playoffs against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Harden can become a free agent if he declines his player option for the 2023-24 season.
«I just want a chance to compete… I mean, we’ve only been a year,» Harden said of the 76ers currently built roster, according to ESPN. «We played the team that’s been together for quite a few years. They were in the Finals last year, so you know what it takes to get back there.»
Rivers led the 76ers to 54 wins during the regular season 2022-23the most for the franchise since the 2000-2001 season.