DOC RIVERS BLUEPRINT

3 SECONDS TO WIN

PLAY INTENT

One of the most impressive coaching jobs I observed was how Rivers utilized Ben Simmons during their time together with the Philadelphia 76ers. Managing a primary ball-handler who is a non-shooter presents a massive spacing challenge. Rivers masterfully mitigated this limitation by weaponizing Simmons in other ways: utilizing rapid Dribble Hand-Offs (DHOs), pushing the pace for early transition attacks, and establishing early low-post positioning.

FINAL THOUGHT

By enforcing strict floor-spacing rules and precise off-ball movement, Rivers ensured that even with an inconsistent perimeter shooter running the point, the floor remained wide open for his spot-up shooters to get clean, easy jumpers.