Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers received a major honor this week.
The current Milwaukee Bucks coach is going to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the 2026 class.
Ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers’ matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, April 4, the team sent a special message to Rivers for his latest honor.
Philadelphia 76ers Send A Message To Doc Rivers
GettyDoc Rivers during his time as the Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach.
via Sixers on Instagram: congratulations, Doc on being a 2026 @hoophall inductee!
Doc Rivers had a brief run with the Sixers starting in 2020.
At the time, Rivers was one of the most prominent coaches in the NBA. He did an excellent job with the Los Angeles Clippers, turning the organization into a consistent playoff contender.
With championship experience from his Boston Celtics days, Rivers was hoping to help the Sixers get over their second-round concerns during the Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons era.
Year one with the Sixers wrapped up with a 49-23 record. The Sixers were the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the Sixers lost in the second round again.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on November 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
During the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Sixers wrapped up the year with a 51-31 record. For the second season under Rivers, the Sixers made it to the second round of the playoffs. They came up short with a round-two loss.
The 2022-2023 season saw Rivers on the hot seat. The Sixers finished the season with a 54-28 record. In the first round, the Sixers collected a sweep over the Brooklyn Nets. They had a tough seven-game battle against the Boston Celtics, but couldn’t come out on top.
After a blowout Game 7 loss on the road for the Sixers, Rivers was let go.
The Hall Of Fame Career Continued
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty ImagesBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 28: Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks signals during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on October 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Rivers’ run didn’t end in Philadelphia.
Although he took some time off, the Milwaukee Bucks hired Rivers midway through the 2023-2024 season. Since then, he’s remained the head coach.
Throughout his career, Rivers has won 50.4% of his games. He has had 21 playoff appearances since 1999-2000. As a coach, Rivers is a two-time Eastern Conference Champion and a one-time NBA Champion.
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