“James Harden threw him under the bus” – Former NBA champion BLAMES Sixers star for Doc Rivers’ firing

Tony Allen comments on what led to Rivers’ departure from Philadelphia.

“James Harden threw him under the bus” – Former NBA champion BLAMES Sixers star for Doc Rivers’ firing

James Harden (L) and Doc Rivers (R)

Doc Rivers is out as the Philadelphia 76ers coach after the team was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Sixers had a 3-2 lead in the series but couldn’t close it out, losing by 24 points in the final game.

One of the reasons for the Sixers’ downfall was the poor play of their star guard James Harden, who averaged only 11 points on 25% shooting from three-point range in the four losses. Harden also had a vague answer when asked about his relationship with Rivers and his future with the team. “Our relationship is OK,” Harden said after Game 7.

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That response did not sit well with Tony Allen, who played with Rivers in Boston and won a championship with him in 2008. Allen joined Kevin Garnett on his podcast “KG Certified” and blamed Harden for Rivers’ departure.

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“I just think James Harden pretty much threw him under the bus,” Allen said. “Yeah, when they asked him that one question (after Game 7). The interview was kind of shaky. Soon as I saw that interview, I was like, ‘Yeah, Doc probably on his way.’ He pretty much tough nose. When you tough nose, a lot of people can’t take that.”

Allen added: “It was kind of shocking at first.”

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Doc Rivers’ Tenure in Philadelphia Comes to an End

Doc Rivers
Former Head Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers Doc Rivers (Via MARCA)

Daryl Morey, the Sixers president, admitted that he was the one who pulled the trigger on firing coach Doc Rivers after a disappointing playoff exit. Morey said the team needed a new direction and a new voice to lead them. But sources close to the situation told Yahoo Sports that Rivers’ strained relationship with star Harden was a major reason behind the move.

Harden and Rivers had a falling out during the postseason, as they clashed over the team’s offensive strategy and leadership style. The rift between them grew so wide that they barely spoke to each other, creating a toxic environment in the locker room. The Sixers decided to part ways with Rivers, hoping to appease Harden and convince him to stay with the franchise beyond this season.

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Rivers is widely respected as one of the best coaches in the league and has a reputation for developing strong relationships with his players. But it seems that he could not connect with Harden and ultimately paid the price for their discontent and dissatisfaction.

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