Doc Rivers, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and former head coach of the Boston Celtics, will join NBC Sports as an NBA game analyst starting in the 2026-27 season. Rivers brings over 40 years of experience in the NBA as both a player and coach.
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“Having great memories working with NBC, I’m excited to be back and share my perspective alongside such a talented team,” Rivers stated. His return marks 14 years since he last worked with NBC as a studio analyst during the 2012 London Olympics.
Sam Flood, Executive Producer and President of NBC Sports, expressed enthusiasm about Rivers joining the team, noting his extensive experience and success in the league, including leading the Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008.
Rivers is regarded as one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History. His accolades include the 2000 NBA Coach of the Year award with the Orlando Magic and four All-Star Game coaching appearances. He ranks sixth all-time for wins (1,194) and fourth in games coached (2,059). Rivers has also coached the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks during his career.
A former player, Rivers was selected 31st overall in the 1983 NBA Draft and played predominantly for the Atlanta Hawks, earning an All-Star nod in 1988. He has also played for the Clippers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs. Rivers began his coaching career in 1999 after a stint as a commentator for Turner Sports following his retirement.
Rivers is the father of Austin Rivers, an 11-year NBA veteran and NBC Sports basketball analyst. The two made history when Doc coached Austin on the Clippers from 2015 to 2018.
NBC Sports is set to begin its NBA coverage in October 2026.