“He has control, he’s knowledgeable, he’s a good motivator and he’s always right in the ballgame at all times. When I watched him coach, he was always in control and never out coached. This is a very good move for the ball club. I said to Danny, ‘we are thinking on the same wavelength.’ I’m very pleased with the announcement of Doc Rivers as head coach of the Boston Celtics.”
--Red Auerbach

“In remembering both Danny and Doc as players they both loved the game and had a fiery passion to win. They were good competitors who approached the game in a similar fashion – to win.”
--Red Auerbach

“Doc has proven to be one of the great young coaches to come along in quite a while. He is dynamic, determined and dedicated. He proved that in Orlando. The Celtics made a great choice in hiring Doc Rivers.”
--Heat President Pat Riley

“I have always liked and respected Doc (Coach Rivers). He’s going to bring a brand of basketball to Boston that fits us real well.”
--Paul Pierce

"I've been with Larry Brown and Rick Carlisle who are great coaches, but Doc Rivers is the best coach I've ever played for. I am excited to have him here."
--Former Orlando guard and current Boston Celtic Chucky Atkins

"I had an opportunity to coach Doc in LA when I was with Clippers and it was great experience. He was a terrific teammate and a big contributor to our team. I've always admired him as a coach. He is a bright guy who cares for his players and has great respect for the game. Boston is lucky to have him."
--Current Detroit Pistons head coach Larry Brown

"Doc was a great teammate, and the consummate pro. If you were going to war, you wanted a guy like him on your team."
--Former Celtic and current Hawks Vice President of Basketball Operations Dominique Wilkins