Doc Rivers on future: ‘I have grandkids that I want to see… I’ll let you figure it out’

It has been a difficult season for the Milwaukee Bucks, and it may also mark a turning point for head coach Doc Rivers.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s game in Brooklyn, Rivers was asked about how much longer he plans to continue coaching. His response suggested that the end may not be far off.

“I won’t answer that,” Rivers said, via Michael Scotto. “But I have grandkids that I want to see. I’ll put it that way. And, so, I’ll let you figure it out from there. I have seven grandkids now, and they’re all 8 years and under. And it kills me every time I miss ‘Grandparents’ Day’ with each one of them in school. It’s probably time to go see them more.”

Rivers reiterated: “I’ll let you figure out the rest.”

The 64-year-old is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this summer and has been an NBA head coach since 1999, with stops in Orlando, Boston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia before arriving in Milwaukee.

However, his tenure with the Bucks has been marked by inconsistency and, more recently, tension.

Milwaukee is on track to miss the postseason, and the season has been overshadowed by a growing disconnect involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the organization. The two-time MVP has been sidelined since mid-March, with differing views between the player and team regarding his availability.

That situation has also drawn the attention of the NBA, which is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding Antetokounmpo’s absence.

There have been signs of internal friction elsewhere as well. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Rivers addressed the team during a March meeting by urging players to “look at my résumé” and “Google me,” comments that were not well received internally.

Taken together, it has been a turbulent stretch for Milwaukee — one that could lead to changes beyond the roster.