Why is Doc angry?

Two games in a row now he’s had uncharacteristic expressions of what can only be described as anger. Doc Rivers, in an Italian suit and nappy leathers, the ultimate in cool, ran onto the court and yelled at two bench players. What? Why?? And for how long has this been going on? Holding onto anger isn’t healthy, says the Buddha.

Something’s obviously bugging Doc and the whole thing smells rather odd. He’s making a fortune, has a wonderful family, and the best job in the basketball world. He has a team that could make some serious waves if everyone gets likeminded and executes. Before the Lakers game, they were winning even though they weren’t playing anywhere close to their potential.

One could argue that they were winning because the bench guys and the young guys were getting playing time and bringing desperately-needed energy excitement. Then Doc went to a short bench, even shorter because Bradley was injured, and the air went out of the balloon.

That’s why Doc’s on-court outburst, which took place in the faces of Willcox and Johnson,seems so particularly odd. After Bradley, Willcox and Johnson have been bringing the best energy, despite their meager minutes. The shouting was ill-considered, deeply revealing, and potentially damaging , especially in light of the aftermath: Willcox and Johnson responded to the tongue-lashing by cranking it up another notch for a couple of minutes when Doc cruelly yanked them out of the game. What a misguided message he was sending those impressionable young men!

The ancient Celts believed that all anger is self-anger. If that’s true, it explains why Doc’s expressions of anger have been so haphazard and ill-advised. If he had to vent on anyone, he should have given hell to the referees.

Doc needs to apologize to Willcox and Johnson for publicly humiliating them and the best way to do it is by playing them at least ten to fifteen minutes per game from here on out. That is, by giving them a chance.

Then, Doc needs to look inside himself and figure out why he’s angry. Here’s an unprofessional attempt at pop-psychological analysis: the fact that his anger targeted Willcox and Johnson speaks volumes; it says he’s angry about having to do something he doesn’t want to do.

Hooter

Is he possibly turning into Stan VG??

beat

Well, it is tax time. Maybe Doc doesn't have enough tax shelters, places to hide his money, and off-shore bamk accounts!

MD!

Beat:

Doc won't turn into SVG. Doc would never get his wardrobe at the Goodwill or own up to JVG as a sibling!

MD!