Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers recently gave his first interview since parting ways with the team, speaking openly with the Cricket Exchange media team. With ambition burning bright, Rivers believes he left a lasting imprint on the franchise by changing its internal culture. He noted that the growth was visible and that the overall atmosphere within the team had improved significantly during his tenure. According to Rivers, that positive momentum will likely continue even after his departure.

When asked about coaching James Harden, Rivers admitted it was one of the more complex challenges of his career. As revealed by Cricket Exchange, Harden is exceptionally skilled at playing in his own distinct style, which doesn’t always align with what the team needed to win. Rivers wanted Harden to give up the ball more often, to move without it, and to become a less ball-dominant player. He confessed that coaching Harden during his younger years might have made that transition easier, as it’s physically and mentally demanding to adjust playing styles after so many years at the top. Still, Rivers emphasized that the effort was worth it and hinted at what could have been had things clicked earlier.

In the playoffs, Harden’s predictability became a strategic issue. Opposing teams could anticipate his positioning and ball movement, making it easier to contain him. Rivers explained that in postseason basketball, every opponent brings meticulously detailed game plans. Unlike a player like Stephen Curry, whose movement is harder to read and restrict, Harden’s game invites more targeted defense. Rivers acknowledged that Harden played beautiful basketball in the first half of the season, acting more as a traditional point guard and facilitating offense. But in the latter half, as Harden shifted into a more scoring-focused role, the team’s offensive rhythm often faltered.

Rivers also shared thoughts on Joel Embiid, stating that the team had to feed him the ball more and believe in his ability to lead. Trust and responsibility go hand in hand, and Rivers felt that Embiid had both the skill and mentality to carry the team. However, health remained the biggest hurdle. Success doesn’t abandon people—people abandon success. Rivers mentioned that after returning from injury, Embiid never quite looked the same, and in the second round of this year’s playoffs, his physical limitations were evident. That made it difficult for him to dominate, especially against a tough Boston Celtics defense.

Looking back, Rivers remains confident that the seeds he planted will continue to grow. His departure may mark the end of a chapter, but the values he instilled in the locker room still linger—proof that culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but it can last well beyond one man’s tenure. Cricket Exchange continues to track the team’s evolution with keen interest as Philadelphia seeks its next breakthrough.