WEEI has the exclusive story after Doc Rivers called in to the radio station: “[Doc] Rivers said he has not decided whether or not he will return to the Celtics next season. ‘I’m not going to say which way I’m leaning — and I am one way — but I could look you in the eye and tell you I haven’t decided,’ he said…Rivers said the players have been encouraging him to return, which makes him feel great but embarrassed to be in the spotlight. That type of support is the main reason why he would consider returning. Said Rivers, ‘The only reason you stay is your love for the guys you coach … knowing that if you do leave, you’re not going to get that back.’
“Rasheed Wallace, like Rivers, is considering leaving the game. Rivers said he expects we’ve seen the last of the controversial center.’I think you have,’ he said. ‘It’s so emotional right after the game. But Rasheed told me before [Game 7]. He told me the the night before. He walked up to me and said, ‘Hey, listen, I’m going to give you everything I’ve got. I really believe this is my last game that I’m going to play.’ And he said this year was very difficult for him physically. He never felt like — even the conditioning part of it hurt. He said he doesn’t think he wants to go through that again, and he wants to watch his kids. I do think it’s the last time we’ll see him in a Celtics uniform.'”
