Doc Rivers names best player he faced in the 2025-26 season, sparking MVP debate
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images Doc Rivers is one of the NBA’s most experienced coaches, having led teams to multiple deep playoff runs and winning the championship in 2008. His voice carries weight across the league and that is why his recent comments during a conversation with Bill Simmons may fuel debate. While answering a question, Rivers offered a strong opinion that has added another layer to the ongoing MVP debate this season.
Doc Rivers says Victor Wembanyama is the best player he faced this season Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images Rivers identified Victor Wembanyama as the most difficult player he coached against this season, highlighting how unique the San Antonio Spurs star is. He told Bill Simmons: “Wemby. It’s just so different and he does so many things.
You have to prepare for him differently than anybody else. He can’t get behind you in the paint. If he does, they throw it up and there’s nothing you can do about it.
“You can beat him off the dribble at the free throw line but you’re not going to get the shot off. Manute Bol had that kind of coverage, where you thought you had him beaten, then you got to the rim and you would try to go under the rim to reverse it, to guard him, and he’s still got it. “When you’re guarding him, all you’re doing is hoping he misses, because there’s nothing you’re doing defensively.
I do think the guards would get up under him and get into his body. The stronger lower base guys have a better chance of guarding him than the longer guys. He’s just so talented.