Kendrick Perkins (Image Credit: NBA on ESPN/X)
The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing start to the 2024-25 NBA season. After winning their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, they lost five consecutive games. Fans are considering several factors that may be contributing to this tough beginning, and NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins points to the coaching strategies of the Bucks’ head coach as a significant issue.

Recently, former NBA player Perkins criticized Bucks head coach Doc Rivers for the team’s challenging start to the season. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, “Doc looks like he wants to get back into TV.”

Perkins further defended his statement in a recent episode of NBA Today on ESPN. He believes the Bucks are struggling because there is a lack of teamwork between the players and Rivers.

“Look at this, nobody is communicating. These are five veteran players, and Ja Morant throws a Magic Johnson no-look for a wide-open dunk. Here it is again, a couple vets, you should be on [the same] page, a lack of communication. Zach Edey, he’s 7’4”, the world can see him. Wide open lane for a dunk.” Perkins said.

The Bucks suffered one of their toughest losses of the season in a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Grizzlies star player Ja Morant displayed exceptional skills during this matchup, achieving a triple-double. He scored 26 points, recorded 14 assists, and grabbed ten rebounds.

Perkins Calls Out Doc Rivers On His Coaching Approach

After retiring from the NBA, Rivers began a career in broadcasting. He worked for the NBA on TNT and ESPN, covering various NBA events. In 2023, he joined the lead broadcasting team for ESPN/ABC, working alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke. Perkins suggested that Rivers may have fared better in broadcasting than in coaching.

“I feel sorry for Doc Rivers because he coulda been up here with me on television. But he chose to do that. Doc looks like he wants to be back on TV. Might as well come on over. Because right now your locker room is not hearing you, they are not feeling you. Something is going on and you have to fix the problem.” Perkins said.

The continuous losses of the Bucks are becoming a hot topic among NBA analysts. Recently, Stephen A. Smith suggested that Rivers’ coaching career in the NBA is at risk if the Bucks do not perform well this season. With all this criticism from analysts, it will be interesting to see how the Bucks’ head coach reacts.