Doc Still Undecided, Leaning Toward One Side

In an ESPN interview, Doc Rivers recently claimed that he has not made a decision on his future yet, but admitted that he is leaning in one direction. In a phone call to WEEI Radio, Rivers' tone suggested that the side he may be leaning toward is likely to be the retirement option.

When asked about his future, he brought up his Father's Day and the idea of watching his kids play their final seasons at their respective schools. He mentioned that it was good to be home and around his family again, and he has also brought up the idea of part-time broadcasting to keep him active once his coaching career is behind him. At the same time, though, Doc assured the media that he has not made a decision in his mind yet. Although he is leaning to one side, he is still planning to sit down with his family and discuss the options for his future.

After seeing Tom Thibideau leave for the Chicago job, it would really be a heart-breaker to see Doc leave on that finishing note. But at the same time, I wouldn't be able to blame him. He came to Boston and brought a title home, breaking a 22-year drought. And a rebuilding stage seems to be on the horizon for Boston in the near future -- the Big Three may be seeing their dog days. Rivers has done such a phenomenal job managing egos, creating bonds, preaching defense, and getting this team to truly play together. Whoever his potential replacement is, they will definitely have some gigantic shoes to fill.

But I do know one thing about Doc Rivers. Besides being a family man, he's a competitor. And if the sour taste in his mouth from Game 7 doesn't subside soon, he may not give himself a choice but to come back and redeem that disappointment.