Rivers: rave reviews

While in Burlington, Vt., Rivers and the players spent time evaluating each other and forming first impressions. Early returns indicate the open-minded, inclusive coaching strategy employed by Rivers is working. One week into training camp, the Celtics have clearly taken to Rivers, at least before he must make tough decisions about the starting lineup and playing time.

"Doc is a players' coach, man," said Pierce. "The guys really enjoy being around him. They accepted him from Day 1. Doc understands what being in the NBA is all about. He understands the coach's side. He understands the players' side. That's why it's easy for players to familiarize themselves with him and be comfortable with him."

Added Payton: "He's a great coach because he teaches you the way you're supposed to be taught. He's been a basketball player. So he understands how guys are. He knows what to do with the young guys. He knows what to do with the veterans. He's really a coach that you can work with and talk to. He always says his doors are wide open. If you don't have a coach that listens to you, it's very hard. It makes the whole job difficult. It makes your life difficult because you're going to be clashing with each other."

Rivers proved one of Payton's points yesterday when he allowed the veteran point guard to watch the team run through plays at the end of practice. Payton doesn't need the repetition, but Marcus Banks and Delonte West do.

Many players believe Rivers's 13 years in the NBA as a player for the Hawks, Clippers, Knicks, and Spurs makes a big difference. A former NBA player has not coached the Celtics since M.L. Carr guided the team from the sidelines for two seasons (1995-97).

The players believe Rivers possesses a better understanding about when to push them and when to back off, and how to make practices fun because he once competed in the league.