Doc Rivers’ Stubbornness Could Cost the Bucks a Championship

When Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst acquired Jericho Sims at the trade deadline, the move was widely viewed as a low-risk, high-reward solution to one of the team’s biggest flaws—its lack of athleticism and defensive versatility in the frontcourt outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis struggling to keep up with the speed and agility of today’s NBA bigs, Sims was supposed to provide a much-needed injection of energy and mobility.

However, there’s just one major issue: head coach Doc Rivers refuses to play him. Three games have passed since the trade deadline, and despite clear evidence that Lopez and Portis are being exposed defensively—most recently by Mouhamed Gueye of the Atlanta Hawks and Quentin Post of the Golden State Warriors—Rivers continues to rely on his veterans, leaving Sims stuck on the bench.

While Sims is far from a polished product, his potential is undeniable. According to NBA playtype data, he ranks in the 85th percentile among bigs in defending the pick and roll. Though he struggles in isolation defense, his ability to contest shots—holding opponents to 42.2 percent shooting when he’s the closest defender—suggests he can be an impactful presence in the paint.

Lopez remains a strong rim protector, but his mobility has declined, making him vulnerable against quicker bigs. Portis, though an offensive spark, is a defensive liability, often getting exposed in pick-and-roll situations and struggling against stretch bigs. Together, they present a defensive weakness that opposing teams continue to exploit.

The solution is right in front of Rivers, but his unwillingness to trust a young, unproven player could prove costly. If he doesn’t act soon, he risks watching another championship opportunity slip away—one that could have been salvaged by simply making the necessary adjustment. The clock is ticking, and the Bucks can’t afford to wait any longer.