Sixers’ Daryl Morey: Joel Embiid was ‘shocked’ by Doc Rivers firing
"It’s my job to help convince him that the new coach is someone that he’ll have a great relationship with," Morey said.
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During ESPN’s pregame coverage Tuesday night, Stephen A. Smith said Sixers star Joel Embiid wasn’t happy with the decision to fire Doc Rivers.
“Joel Embiid wasn’t happy Doc Rivers got fired,” Smith said. “I’m not guessing. I’m telling you.”
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Sixers president Daryl Morey said it was very natural for players to become close with people in the locker room. Morey cited an unspecified trade in which Embiid was initially unhappy with the players the Sixers dealt.
“He was very close with coach Rivers and, yeah, he was shocked about the change,” Morey said. “It’s my job to help convince him that the new coach is someone that he’ll have a great relationship with as well.”
Embiid improved in every season he played under Rivers, eventually winning MVP this season with averages of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He co-starred with Ben Simmons and James Harden, two mercurial figures who didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Rivers, but that didn’t affect his relationship.
After the Sixers’ Game 7 loss in Boston, Embiid said he believed Rivers did a great job as coach and hoped he would return next season.
”As far as my coach, I think he’s done a fantastic job,” Embiid said. “We’ve gotten better over the years. I think he’s done a great job. I don’t make the decisions. I think he should be fine. We’ve got a great relationship. You look at the way he handled the whole situation that we had a year or two ago, I thought he kept the team afloat. He’s been a great leader for all of us, a great motivator.
”But then again, you look at what’s been happening over all the league, it’s tough. I’m glad I don’t make those decisions.”