Gambadoro isn’t alone in his thinking. One NBA executive told Joe Vardon of The Athletic that he, too, could see a scenario where Rivers ends up with the Suns. Of course, that is largely based on the unpredictability of owner Mat Ishbia.
Some still believe that Rivers may take a year off from coaching, but if the right team called and offered the right price, anything is possible. Rivers is bound to be considered a desirable candidate given his 24 years of head-coaching experience and long history of success.
Although Rivers hasn’t advanced past the conference semifinals in a decade, he hasn’t posted a losing record since 2006-07 and has two NBA Finals appearances (and one championship) since then.
Rivers has also missed the playoffs just once since 2007-08, and that came in 2017-18 with the Los Angeles Clipper (42-40).