Doc Rivers, Steve Kerr get hate from NBA players in anonymous poll

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Doc Rivers, Steve Kerr get hate from NBA players in anonymous poll

Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, May 6, 2026 ·

3 min read

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Doc Rivers, Steve Kerr get hate from NBA players in anonymous poll appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

A recent anonymous NBA player poll has cast an unexpected spotlight on Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers , with both veteran coaches appearing among the league's least impressive , according to reporting from Josh Robbins, Sam Amick and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Rivers, who recently departed the Milwaukee Bucks following a disappointing tenure, ranked second in the poll, receiving 14% of the 100 votes cast. He trailed only Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards , who led the category with 22%. Kerr, the longtime head coach of the Golden State Warriors , placed fourth with 6% of the vote.

Despite that showing, Kerr also appeared on the opposite end of the survey. He ranked among the league's most impressive coaches, finishing tied for 12th with 2.7% of 146 votes alongside Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers and David Adelman of the Denver Nuggets , reflecting a split perception among players.

The report noted that the poll was conducted during the regular season, before several coaching changes took place across the league. Since then, Rivers has been replaced in Milwaukee by Taylor Jenkins , while Billy Donovan stepped away from his role with the Chicago Bulls .

"It should be noted again that this survey was conducted during the regular season, before the coaching carousel started to turn. Since the end of the season, Doc Rivers was replaced in Milwaukee with Taylor Jenkins, and Billy Donovan stepped down from his job with the Chicago Bulls .

Steve Kerr's Golden State Warriors future is in doubt. After 12 seasons as the Warriors' coach — with four NBA championships, a 604-353 regular-season record and 104-48 playoff record — Kerr might decide to exit."

Steve Kerr, Doc Rivers face scrutiny amid player concerns and disappointing seasons

Kerr has historically been among the most respected coaches in similar player polls, making his inclusion in the "least impressive" category notable. The Warriors endured a difficult 2025-26 season , finishing 37-45 while dealing with injuries to key players including Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler .

One player cited Kerr's handling of Jonathan Kuminga as a point of concern.

"I think he's a great coach," one of the players who voted for Kerr said. "I just thought the way he handled the Kuminga situation wasn't very smart."

Rivers' tenure in Milwaukee also drew scrutiny. He compiled a 97-103 record over parts of three seasons, including a 32-50 finish in 2025-26. The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in each of his first two seasons after he took over midway through the 2023-24 campaign, before missing the postseason entirely this year.

The poll results highlight the evolving perceptions of two of the league's most accomplished coaches, as both face uncertainty following challenging seasons.

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