Doc Rivers Discusses Complex Challenges with Cole Anthony’s Development, Offers No Simple Solutions

Bucks’ Cole Anthony Faces Mounting Pressure as Struggles Intensify During Giannis’ Absence

Milwaukee, WI – november 29, 2025 – Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony is mired in his worst stretch as a member of the team, prompting concern from Head Coach Doc Rivers as the Bucks navigate a recent losing streak without Giannis Antetokounmpo.rivers acknowledged the challenge, stating the team “has to do something to help” Anthony, who is currently struggling to find his footing.

Anthony, who initially showed promise following a strong start to the season while playing alongside a healthy Giannis, has seen his performance plummet in recent games. With Antetokounmpo sidelined

What specific areas of Cole Anthony’s game does Doc Rivers identify as crucial for his continued growth?

Doc Rivers Discusses Complex Challenges with Cole Anthony’s Growth,Offers No Simple Solutions

Navigating Anthony’s Inconsistent Performance

Orlando Magic head coach Doc Rivers recently addressed the ongoing development of guard Cole Anthony,acknowledging a frustratingly inconsistent trajectory. In a post-practice press conference on November 28th, 2025, Rivers detailed the multifaceted hurdles hindering Anthony’s progress, emphasizing that a speedy fix isn’t on the horizon. The conversation centered around Anthony’s scoring fluctuations, decision-making under pressure, and defensive liabilities – areas identified as crucial for his continued growth in the NBA.

Rivers stressed the need for patience, stating, “Cole has flashes of brilliance, truly.But those flashes need to become consistent. It’s not about effort; it’s about refining his instincts and understanding NBA-level game management.” This sentiment reflects a common challenge faced by young players transitioning to the professional ranks.

The Offensive Struggles: Shot Selection and Playmaking

A important portion of the discussion revolved around Anthony’s offensive game. While capable of explosive scoring outbursts, his shot selection has been a recurring concern.

* Inconsistent Three-Point Shooting: Anthony’s three-point percentage has fluctuated wildly throughout his career,impacting floor spacing and offensive flow. Rivers noted the importance of higher-percentage looks and reducing forced attempts.

* Decision-Making in Pick-and-Roll: Analyzing game film reveals Anthony sometimes struggles to make the optimal read in pick-and-roll situations, leading to turnovers or contested shots. Rivers highlighted the need for improved court vision and passing accuracy.

* Driving Lanes and Finishing: Anthony’s ability to penetrate the defense is undeniable, but finishing at the rim consistently remains a challenge. Strengthening his finishing moves and absorbing contact are key areas for improvement.

These offensive inconsistencies directly impact the Magic’s overall offensive efficiency and necessitate a more balanced approach from the young guard. The team’s offensive rating noticeably dips during stretches where Anthony forces shots or makes questionable passes.

Defensive Concerns and Two-Way Development

Beyond offense, Rivers addressed Anthony’s defensive shortcomings. While not expected to be a lockdown defender,his on-ball defense and off-ball awareness need considerable improvement.

* Lateral Quickness: Rivers pointed to Anthony’s need to enhance his lateral quickness to effectively guard quicker perimeter players.

* Defensive Rotations: Understanding and executing defensive rotations is crucial in the NBA. Anthony is still learning to anticipate opponent movements and provide timely help defense.

* rebounding from the Guard Spot: Securing defensive rebounds is a team effort, but Rivers emphasized the importance of Anthony contributing more in this area.

Developing into a reliable two-way player is paramount for Anthony’s long-term success. The coaching staff is working with him on defensive drills and film study to address these weaknesses.

The Role of Mentorship and Veteran Leadership

rivers believes that mentorship from veteran players can play a vital role in Anthony’s development.He specifically mentioned conversations with Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris, hoping their experience can provide valuable guidance.

“Having guys who’ve been through it, who understand the grind, is invaluable,” Rivers explained. “They can offer cole a different perspective and help him navigate the challenges of being a young player in this league.”

This emphasis on veteran leadership aligns with a broader trend in the NBA,where teams increasingly recognize the importance of fostering a supportive environment for young players.

Potential Adjustments to Anthony’s Role

Rivers hinted at potential adjustments to Anthony’s role within the offense, possibly involving more off-ball movement and fewer primary ball-handling responsibilities.

* Spot-Up Shooting Opportunities: Capitalizing on Anthony’s shooting ability by creating more spot-up opportunities could alleviate some of the pressure on him to create his own shot.

* Cutting and Moving Without the Ball: Improving his off-ball movement can open up passing lanes and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

* Reduced Playmaking Burden: Sharing playmaking duties with Suggs and Harris could allow Anthony to focus more on scoring and improving his defensive contributions.

These adjustments are not intended to diminish Anthony’s importance to the team but rather to optimize his strengths and minimize his weaknesses.

The Long-Term Outlook: Patience and Process

Ultimately, Rivers reiterated that Anthony’s development is a process that requires patience and consistent effort. He acknowledged the frustration surrounding the inconsistent performances but remained optimistic about Anthony’s potential.

“There are no easy answers here,” Rivers concluded. “We’re going to continue to work with Cole, provide