Doc Rivers is first domino to fall in 76ers' offseason full of questions

Monday, May 22, 2023
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Somebody had to take the fall for the Philadelphia 76ers' latest playoff flameout.

And that somebody was Doc Rivers.
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Following three straight exits in the second round, the Sixers made a drastic change and fired head coach Doc Rivers.

Should Doc take all the blame?

Three years ago, Ben Simmons refused to take a shot.

Last year, Joel Embiid was not fully healthy and they ran into a determined Jimmy Butler.



This year, Embiid was again banged up.

The Sixers fell apart in Game 6 at home and they checked out in the second half of Game 7.
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Is all that Doc Rivers' fault?

No.

But in sports, it's easier to get rid of one coach than it is to get rid of a bunch of players.

So where do the Sixers go from here?
RELATED: Where Embiid, Harden and 76ers go from here
Plenty of names have been circulating as a possible replacements.



Nick Nurse and Mike Budenholzer have each won an NBA title and are available.
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Monty Williams is a former Sixers assistant and Coach of the Year. Current assistant Sam Cassell is well-liked by the current players.

The Sixers will also have to figure out the roster - namely what will happen with James Harden.

President Daryl Morey said Scenario A is to bring Harden back.

He can opt out of his contract - and he likely will as he is seeking a multi-year deal.

How much will the Sixers be willing to commit to a guy who will turn 34 this summer, who has been in decline and who was inconsistent in that Celtics series?



It's going to be an interesting off-season for the Sixers.
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