Orlando Sentinel
If the sports media is to be trusted, Doc Rivers is the 5th best coach in the NBA. Yet, when the opinions of NBA players and executives are examined, it’s clear Rivers is arguably the best head coach in the NBA. While the 2008 Championship capped an incredible year, I consider the 2011-2012 Celtics season to be Doc’s most impressive coaching job. With a successful season in doubt, Rivers was the key element in turning the season around. The Celtics were believed to be too old, too injured, and not athletic enough to compete. ”They kept saying, ‘We’re too old,’ but I kept saying, ‘No, we’re out of shape. Let’s wait until later to find out how good we are,” Rivers said. Rivers refused to accept that his team could not compete with powerhouses such as Chicago or Miami. “Miami and Chicago are the favorites, but I like us,” Rivers repeatedly said.
