Doc Rivers is joining NBC as an NBA analyst, closing the door on a coaching career that followed his playing days and spanned decades in the league.
Rivers previously had an opportunity to move into broadcasting with NBC after retiring as a player in 1996. At the time, he turned down the role because he could not assure then-NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol that he would not pursue coaching.
That decision ultimately led Rivers into a long run on NBA benches. Now, with Rivers saying his coaching career is over, he is set to take on the analyst role he once declined.
A move from the sideline to the studio
Rivers’ transition to NBC brings one of the NBA’s most recognizable coaching voices into a broadcast role. His perspective comes from years as both a player and coach, giving him a broad view of the league as he begins the next stage of his basketball career.