Doc Rivers says his coaching career is finished. NBC announced Monday that Rivers is joining its NBA broadcast team as an analyst for games airing on NBC, Peacock and NBCSN, with the possibility of studio work as well.
“I honestly can say I’m absolutely retired,” Rivers told the Associated Press. “I had a long run. It ended up in the [Naismith] Hall of Fame [earlier this year] and I am so thankful that I was able to coach and played as long as I did. For the first time, I can focus on giving TV my 100 percent attention, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Rivers coached nine seasons with the Celtics, winning an NBA title in 2008, and later led the Clippers, Sixers and Bucks. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame earlier this year.
On his approach to broadcasting, Rivers said honesty has always been his standard. “I think I’ve always been pretty honest. I’ve always celebrated the game in general, but told the truth. I don’t think anyone has ever had a problem with honesty and the way you tell the truth. There are always times where you offend people because of the truth, but I’ve never really worried about that.”
This isn’t Rivers’ first time behind a microphone. He spent three years with Turner Sports from 1996 to 1999, worked two separate stints with ESPN/ABC in the 2000s, and served as a studio analyst for NBC’s 2012 Olympic coverage.
Rivers joins his son Austin, already an NBC Sports analyst, on the network’s roster. NBC also employs six former players Rivers coached during his career, including Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Brian Scalabrine and Jamal Crawford.
