Could the Boston Celtics really enter into the 2013 season without Doc Rivers as head coach? The likelihood of that happening seems to be growing by the day. The longer Rivers waits to commit to returning as head coach, the more it seems he is leaning towards leaving. Rivers has not publically committed to returning to Boston, but promises a decision "soon".
The Boston Globe recently asked Rivers if he was still in the process if making his decision and the coach simply texted back, "I'd rather not say." It is that kind of vagueness that has fans worried Rivers will not be courtside for the Celtics in 2013. Rivers has been with Boston for what will be 10 seasons if he returns. He currently has three years and $21 million remaining on his current contract. He has previously debated taking time off from coaching in the past, but never fully committed to the idea. He signed a five-year, $35 million extension back in 2010, making the Celtics believe he was committed to a long-term relationship with the team.
A positive sign for Celtics fans is that Rivers has been in Boston, holding pre-draft workouts and doing brief planning for the upcoming free agency period. Despite all of that, he continues to leave the door open for a possible exit. After the Celtics lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks, Rivers said he would be coming back until he says he is not.
There are certainly teams hoping Rivers decides to leave Boston. The Brooklyn Nets recently pursued him as a potential head coaching option, but were denied the right to interview him. President of operations Danny Ainge remains confident that Rivers will be back with the team. He told media that the head coach has said he will be returning. The two talk almost every day about how the Celtics will move forward in the coming year.
A lot of Rivers decision could be dependent on what several of the Celtics' marquee players decide to do with their future. Paul Pierce could be on his way out. Kevin Garnett could be retiring. Rajon Rondo is attempting to heal a torn ACL. All of these factors are sure to play a role in what move Rivers decides to make.