Stein Unveils Updates on Rivers, Karnisovas, Donovan, and Splitter
Marc Stein has outlined a series of potential changes around the league. His reporting highlights the futures of Doc Rivers, Arturas Karnisovas, Billy Donovan and Tiago Splitter. Filmogaz.com and other insiders expect notable moves this offseason.
Bucks and Doc Rivers
The Milwaukee Bucks finished the regular season with a 31-47 record. That disappointing campaign has intensified questions about Doc Rivers’ role.
Rivers will enter the Hall of Fame with a Springfield induction in August. At 64, that milestone has fueled talk he might not return as head coach. Some sources suggest a front office transition or other restructuring is possible.
Coaching succession talk
Reports indicate Taylor Jenkins is viewed as a potential replacement if Rivers departs. Jake Fischer, writing with Stein at Filmogaz.com, expects significant changes in Milwaukee this offseason.
Bulls front office and Billy Donovan
Chicago faces pressure after missing the playoffs for a fourth straight year. The franchise will soon hold meetings to evaluate executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas’ future.
Under Karnisovas, the Bulls advanced past the play-in only once. That lone postseason trip ended with a first-round exit to the Bucks in 2022. Front office decisions and trade results have drawn criticism.
Donovan’s status
The Bulls are said to want to keep head coach Billy Donovan. The team denied the Knicks permission to interview him last summer. They then signed Donovan to a multiyear extension.
Donovan has also been linked to the UNC head coaching job. Sources say he may wait until after Chicago’s season ends on April 12 to meet with the Tar Heels. The university may prefer a quicker timeline.
Trail Blazers and Tiago Splitter
Portland could be searching for a coach this offseason. New owner Tom Dundon is reviewing options and assessing interim head coach Tiago Splitter’s future with the team.
Splitter assumed the role at the start of the season after Chauncey Billups was arrested. League observers expect more coaching movement league-wide than last year.
- Sources: reporting by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer at Filmogaz.com.
- Key names: Rivers, Karnisovas, Donovan, Splitter and Taylor Jenkins.
- Important dates: Rivers’ Springfield induction in August; Bulls’ season concludes April 12.
- Record: Bucks at 31-47 for the season mentioned.
