Firing Doc Rivers won't solve all of the Sixers' problems after their playoff collapse

 

The Philadelphia 76ers' recent decision to part ways with head coach Doc Rivers in the wake of yet another playoff collapse signals that the organization acknowledges the need for change. After three consecutive second-round exits under Rivers' leadership, the Sixers took action, recognizing that coaching alone won't solve all the problems that ail them. The pivotal Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals exposed deeper issues within the team.

While Rivers joins the list of prominent coaches who have lost their jobs due to disappointing playoff performances, such as Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks and Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns, the Sixers now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. According to reports, Budenholzer, Williams, Sam Cassell (an assistant coach with the Sixers), Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel, and Mike D'Antoni are among the candidates being considered. However, simply changing coaches won't be enough to rectify the team's postseason woes.

Although Rivers had his flaws during his three-year tenure in Philadelphia, the blame for the collapse cannot be solely attributed to him. The Sixers have more pressing issues to address during the offseason, and the most significant one is the long-term future of James Harden.stellar, as indicated by his terse remarks about their connection.

However, it is essential to recognize that firing Rivers is just one piece of a complex puzzle. The Sixers' struggles extend beyond coaching and involve roster construction, team chemistry, and strategic shortcomings. The failure to consistently counter the Celtics' defensive adjustments, particularly shutting down the pick-and-roll between Harden and Joel Embiid, showcased the team's inability to adapt and find alternative solutions. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla's decision to insert Robert Williams III into the starting lineup disrupted the Sixers' game plan, and they couldn't capitalize on the double-big look employed by the Celtics.

While Harden had standout performances earlier in the series, his production waned in Games 6 and 7, ultimately contributing to the team's downfall. The Celtics proved to be the superior and deeper team throughout the series, but the Sixers had legitimate opportunities to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their inability to close out games, especially in crucial moments, highlighted their lack of mental toughness and execution under pressure.

The Sixers' offensive struggles were evident in their shooting percentages and shot quality. In Game 6, their effective field-goal percentage was significantly lower than expected based on shot quality, and their fourth-quarter performance was one of the worst of the season in terms of expected effective field-goal percentage versus actual performance. While it may seem like an overreaction to solely blame Rivers for these small-sample-size misses, it is worth noting his record of struggles in closeout games and blown series leads.

Rivers' coaching style has drawn criticism throughout his career, with some perceiving him as a player-friendly coach who lacks experimentation and fails to make necessary adjustments in playoff series. His reluctance to give younger, higher-upside players more playing time until late in the season has been a recurring theme. This year, he showed some improvement in terms of defensive strategies and lineup tinkering, but there were still questionable decisions, such as favoring Montrezl Harrell over other players who could have provided better contributions.

Offensively, the Sixers faced challenges with ball movement, trust, and shot-making. While there were fluctuations in their passing and touch statistics between wins and losses against the Celtics, the overall inconsistency in these areas suggests a deeper problem. The lack of a viable Plan B when their primary offensive scheme centered around the Harden-Embiid pick-and-roll faltered is indicative of systemic flaws in their offensive strategy.

The long-term implications of Harden's free agency decision loom large for the Sixers. Losing him would create a significant void in playmaking, and finding a suitable replacement would be challenging. Even if Harden chooses to stay, the roster still requires substantial improvements. A new coach will need to maximize the potential of the current core and instill a system that the players can fully buy into.

It is important to temper expectations regarding the impact a new coach can have on the team's performance. The Sixers should explore the possibilities and potential improvements that a coaching change might bring. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the roster, addressing the flaws in team chemistry and strategy, and fostering a winning culture should be the organization's top priorities.

Ultimately, the firing of Doc Rivers is just one step in a larger process of restructuring and reassessing the Philadelphia 76ers. While it may be tempting to view this decision as a quick fix, the team must confront the deeper issues at hand to ensure long-term success. Only by addressing these challenges holistically can the Sixers hope to overcome their playoff woes and make a legitimate push for the NBA Finals.