In the NBA, custom dictates that the coach of the team with the best record in each conference coaches that conference in the All-Star Game.
In the past, this has led to some awkward situations. First, there was the sheer volume of appearances Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley made in the 1980s—so many that the league prohibited coaches from holding the gig in consecutive years.
Then, there has been the matter of midseason firings. In 2016, for instance, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue received the honor despite taking over for fired coach David Blatt midseason.
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers finds himself in a similar situation. He has one win to his name with the Bucks, but is in line to coach the Eastern Conference because Milwaukee is 33–16.
On Saturday, Rivers vowed to give former Bucks coach Adrian Griffin—the man he replaced on Jan. 23—the bonus and ring veteran coach earned for the honor.
Doc Rivers: “That is so ridiculously bad.” He plans to give Adrian Griffin his All-Star ring and bonus. Rivers suggests sending his staff to Indianapolis and going on a beach vacation. “I’m going to run that by Adam Silver.” https://t.co/X3UDLZ6eWm
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 4, 2024
When Griffin was fired, reports emerged that Rivers had been consulting Griffin behind the scenes (which Rivers denied).
Either way, it appears that Griffin will at least be getting something out of their arrangement.
