It’s not controversial to say that Doc Rivers, the current coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, is one of the more polarizing figures in the entire NBA.

Though he’s been named one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game, he’s had plenty of slip-ups over the years, particularly in the postseason. Many former players under Rivers have talked about the coach ad nauseam since he took over for Milwaukee mid-season, sharing their thoughts, both positive and (typically) negative.

The latest player to speak out is Matt Barnes, a 2017 NBA champion and former player under Rivers with the LA Clippers. Speaking on Third and Long/@tidalleague, Barnes did not hold back.

“I think Doc’s strength is he’s a good motivator. He’s a good communicator to people, with people. He’ll have you ready. His weakness is just kind of keeping it real when real needs to be kept. And then also just kind of in-game strategies, adjustments. Again, I’m not talking bad about him. I’ve played for better coaches just like [he’s coached] better players…

[Since winning in Boston] it’s been a lot of talented teams. Us, the 76ers and now the Bucks, but [there’s been a lot of] underachieving with that talent.”

NBA champion details the good and bad of playing under Bucks’ Doc Rivers

Plenty of worse things have been said about Doc Rivers. In fact, he’s currently engaged in a hectic back-and-forth with another former Clipper, trading blows with J.J. Redick over a feud that has been brewing for quite a while now.

What Barnes said is not overly different from what everyone has been saying about Rivers for many years now. In fact, Rivers’ playoff history was one of the primary reasons Milwaukee Bucks fans and even outsiders were concerned about bringing him in. There’s no denying that Rivers has coached good players galore but has struggled to get over the hump since his time in Boston in 2008.

Fans, former players, analysts and everyone in between may not be very high on Rivers as a coach, but despite his past shortcomings, there is still reason for optimism. Coming in mid-season with an injury-riddled roster, it would have been a sizeable feat for Rivers to lead the Bucks to a title this year, but with a full off-season to prepare and get his players healthy, he could have a true shot next year.

Rivers has proven he can get over the hump, and he’s coaching one of his most-talented rosters ever with two superstars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and a solid third-fiddle in All-Star forward Khris Middleton. Next season and beyond, he’ll certainly be motivated to prove his doubters wrong and get back to the top of the NBA’s highest mountain.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.